Uganda’s national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, have discovered their group stage opponents for the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship.
The tournament will be held from 16th to 20th July 2025 at Pirates Beach in Mombasa, Kenya. The official draws and match fixtures were released by CECAFA Executive Director, Auka Gecheo.
Uganda has been drawn in Group A alongside Tanzania and Seychelles. Group B consists of hosts Kenya, Malawi, Burundi, and Zanzibar.
The Sand Cranes will begin their campaign on match day two—17th July 2025—against Tanzania, who will have opened the championship the previous day with a fixture against Seychelles. Uganda will then wrap up their group stage with a match against Seychelles on 18th July 2025.
The 2024/25 FUFA Beach Soccer League is heading into its final stretch, with four teams set to battle it out in the highly anticipated championship play-offs.
The climax of this season’s campaign will take place on Sunday, 29th June 2025, at the Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena in Kasanje – Wakiso, with the action kicking off at 12:00 PM.
MUBS BSC will face Mutoola BSC, while Kampala City BSC will take on St. Lawrence University BSC in the semi-final stage. The winners of these matches will proceed to the final later that day, while the losing sides will contest the third place play-off.
Following the successful conclusion of the regular season, Kampala City, MUBS, St. Lawrence University, and Mutoola BSC finished in the top four spots to secure their play-off berths.
Kampala City and MUBS both tallied 44 points after 18 matches, but Kampala City edged top position thanks to a superior goal difference of +46, just five ahead of MUBS. Mutoola followed in third with 40 points, while St. Lawrence University sealed the last play-off slot with 34 points, having won their final two matches of the campaign.
The championship play-offs will determine who lifts the title this season. The format is simple: first place takes on fourth, while second faces third in the semi-finals. The winners meet in the final, while the other two play for third place.
There’s plenty at stake, especially for the defending champions St. Lawrence University, who are chasing a seventh league title. MUBS, two-time winners themselves, return to the play-offs for the first time in three years. Kampala City, last season’s runners-up, are aiming to go one better, while Mutoola are determined to spoil the party and claim their first crown.
Past champions include: 2009–2010 – Club Tinka 2010–2011 – Braza Braza 2011–2012 – Kabalagala Rangers 2012–2013 – MUBS 2013–2014 – St. Lawrence University 2014–2015 – Kira Young 2015–2016 – Nkumba Select 2016–2017 – MUBS 2017–2018 – Isabeti 2018–2019 – St. Lawrence University 2019–2020 – Cancelled due to COVID-19 2020–2021 – St. Lawrence University 2021–2022 – St. Lawrence University 2022–2023 – St. Lawrence University 2023–2024 – St. Lawrence University
It is now a full house in the Sand Cranes camp ahead of the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship scheduled to take place between 6th and 11th June 2025 in Mombasa, Kenya.
Brian Nkuubi (FWD, Kampala City), Kigozi Ambrose (FWD, Kampala City) and goalkeeper Ronald Mutebi are the latest arrivals at the camp.
The trio trained with the rest of the teammates at Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer arena on Wednesday morning.
The team started residential training on Monday under the co-head coaches Arch Rica Byaruhanga and Akabwai Geofrey, and assistant coach Baker Lukooya.
They are impressed with all the 20 players in the camp and so convinced with the way they’re adapting to their new strategy – that Byaruhanga termed “The Ugandan Way.”
“It’s so far so good. The camps is full, all the twenty players are here – including all the four goalkeepers. The players are training well and they are okay. We have had a very good integration of the new young players with the senior players and this was our intention in the first two days – to see that the team integrates.”
“The players are in good shape, and we haven’t recorded any injuries. We expect to put up a good show when we move to Mombasa next week.”
“We want to play the Ugandan way and the boys are doing it really well. We want to play with energy, we want to be proactive, we want to intimidate, and we want to control the game with or without the ball.”
“We want to start a new chapter of beach soccer, we want to play an energetic game with flair because people have to enjoy the game. That’s the Ugandan way we want to showcase.
The coach also hailed the attitude of the young players – Kuol Micheal, Niwesasira Sison and Edweu Godfrey who are coming straight from secondary school beach soccer competitions without playing the game at the elite level.
“I am impressed with the boys, they’re doing things the senior way- something that we didn’t expect from a secondary school beach soccer player. But I also thank the senior players. They are encouraging these young boys to do things. They’re supportive.”
Defenders Lule Paul and Niyonzima Benon, will not be available for selection.
Players in camp:
Kikonyogo Jonathan (DF, St. Lawrence Univ – BSC), Oppuuli Sharif (DF, Kampala City BSC), Mukwata Peter (DF, Mutoola BSC), Lubega Sharif (DF, St. Lawrence Univ – BSC), Kuol Micheal (DF, London College of St. Lawrence), Edweu Godfrey (FWD, Teso College Aloet), Kigozi Ambrose (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Nyalimo Steven (FWD, Mutoola BSC), Niwesasira Sison (FWD, Standard High Zana), Nkuubi Brian (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Lubwama Joshua (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Kagezi Junior (FWD, MS-Sandlions), Turyamuhika Deus (FWD, Makerere Univ Business Sch – BSC), Lasu Thomas Lomoro (FWD, Makerere Univ Business Sch – BSC), Ssendi Joseph Kabona (FWD, Buganda Royal Inst – BSC), Wasswa Emmanuel Alex (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Kibirige Meddie (GK, Kampala City BSC), Mutebi Ronald (GK, Unattached), Kasibante Edward (GK, Buganda Royal Inst – BSC), Omedwa Rogers (GK, Kampala City BSC).
Technical Bench:
Co-head Coaches: Arch Rica Byaruhanga, and Akabwai Geofrey.
Assistant coach – Baker Lukooya, Team Doctor: Kulika Ivan, Team Manager: Ssebagala Tonny.
Pictorial from the first residential training at Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena on 26th May 2024.
Head coach Arch Rica Byaruhanga will lead the technical team, assisted by Akabwai Geofrey and Baker Lukooya, as the Sand Cranes aim to make a strong statement at this year’s regional competition. The team includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent drawn from various beach soccer clubs and institutions across the country.
Full Squad List: Kikonyogo Jonathan (DF, St. Lawrence Univ – BSC), Oppuuli Sharif (DF, Kampala City BSC), Mukwata Peter (DF, Mutoola BSC), Lule Paul (DF, Kampala City BSC), Lubega Sharif (DF, St. Lawrence Univ – BSC), Kuol Micheal (DF, London College of St. Lawrence), Edweu Godfrey (FWD, Teso College Aloet), Kigozi Ambrose (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Nyalimo Steven (FWD, Mutoola BSC), Niyonzima Benon (FWD, Unattached), Niwesasira Sison (FWD, Standard High Zana), Nkuubi Brian (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Lubwama Joshua (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Kagezi Junior (FWD, MS-Sandlions), Turyamuhika Dues (FWD, Makerere Univ Business Sch – BSC), Lasu Thomas Lomoro (FWD, Makerere Univ Business Sch – BSC), Ssendi Joseph Kabona (FWD, Buganda Royal Inst – BSC), Wasswa Emmanuel Alex (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Kibirige Meddie (GK, Kampala City BSC), Mutebi Ronald (GK, Unattached), Kasibante Edward (GK, Buganda Royal Inst – BSC), Omedwa Rogers (GK, Kampala City BSC).
Technical Bench: Head Coach: Arch Rica Byaruhanga, Assistant Coaches: Akabwai Geofrey, Baker Lukooya, Team Doctor: Kulika Ivan, Team Manager: Ssebagala Tonny.
The Uganda national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, officially entered residential training camp on Sunday, 25th May 2025, ahead of the CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship set to take place in Mombasa, Kenya from 6th to 11th June 2025. The 22-man squad reported to FUFA House in Mengo at 10:00 AM before heading to the Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena in Kasanje for intensive preparations.
Head coach Arch Rica Byaruhanga will lead the technical team, assisted by Akabwai Geofrey and Baker Lukooya, as the Sand Cranes aim to make a strong statement at this year’s regional competition. The team includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent drawn from various beach soccer clubs and institutions across the country.
Full Squad List: Kikonyogo Jonathan (DF, St. Lawrence Univ – BSC), Oppuuli Sharif (DF, Kampala City BSC), Mukwata Peter (DF, Mutoola BSC), Lule Paul (DF, Kampala City BSC), Lubega Sharif (DF, St. Lawrence Univ – BSC), Kuol Micheal (DF, London College of St. Lawrence), Edweu Godfrey (FWD, Teso College Aloet), Kigozi Ambrose (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Nyalimo Steven (FWD, Mutoola BSC), Niyonzima Benon (FWD, Unattached), Niwesasira Sison (FWD, Standard High Zana), Nkuubi Brian (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Lubwama Joshua (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Kagezi Junior (FWD, MS-Sandlions), Turyamuhika Dues (FWD, Makerere Univ Business Sch – BSC), Lasu Thomas Lomoro (FWD, Makerere Univ Business Sch – BSC), Ssendi Joseph Kabona (FWD, Buganda Royal Inst – BSC), Wasswa Emmanuel Alex (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Kibirige Meddie (GK, Kampala City BSC), Mutebi Ronald (GK, Unattached), Kasibante Edward (GK, Buganda Royal Inst – BSC), Omedwa Rogers (GK, Kampala City BSC).
Technical Bench: Head Coach: Arch Rica Byaruhanga, Assistant Coaches: Akabwai Geofrey, Baker Lukooya, Team Doctor: Kulika Ivan, Team Manager: Ssebagala Tonny.
The draw has been conducted in Cairo, Egypt which has seen Uganda paired with Tanzania.
The Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations qualifiers first legs will be played between the 19th – 21st July 2024 with Tanzania hosting the first leg.
Uganda will host the second leg between 26th – 28th July 2024 as they seek to make a third appearance in continental football in Africa, after featuring in the 2021 and 2022 editions in Senegal and Mozambique respectively.
The winner over the two legs will qualify for the Beach Soccer AFCON finals to be played later this year in Egypt.
The beach soccer coaching course organized by Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) began on Tuesday 10th October 2023 at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
It was initially scheduled for July but it was pushed forward due to various reasons. Participants have come from different corners of Africa, with some coming from Kenya and Nigeria.
Nineteen coaches got into the training that is being conducted by FUFA instructor Bashir Mutyaba and everyone is showing the zeal to learn.
Harambee Sand Stars coach Kinero Swaleh
Among the coaches in attendance are; Kinero Swaleh – Harambee Sand Stars head coach, former Sand Cranes head coach – Muwonge Salim, Standard High School – Zzana coach – Mutungi Alleluya, Eng. Ssenfuma Timothy and Lance corporal Kutosi Daniel from UPDF (Gulu barracks).
The course, which is intended to improve the quality of coaches in our local league, will take four days – ending on Friday 13th October 2023.
UBSA chairman Deo Mutabazi
“We organized this course to help us in the new season that kicks off in a few weeks from now and we hope that after here, clubs are going to have the right and licensed coaches,” Chairman UBSA Deo Mutabazi said.
“All of you that are here are going to get certificates and bench permits which will allow you to coach a team.”
“Coaches without bench permits will not be allowed to sit on the bench during games. It’s now a club licensing requirement.”
“These issues of getting someone on the bench to shout out instructions about a game he doesn’t know are now phased out.”
He continued and said: “I want to request you to give this training serious attention because the game is changing on a daily basis and for some of you who have been at the international stage; you have seen how beach soccer is changing.”
“So, take this course seriously, put the right skills into our players so that the country benefits. The players that you are going to give the skills are the very players the national team gets to represent the country.”
“I am sure the time you are going to spend here will not be a waste. Utilize it very well because we want you to add some contribution onto the game.
FUFA 2nd vice president Darius Mugoye (middle)during the opening ceremony
FUFA Second Vice President Darius Mugoye was the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony, and he reiterated that the federation is firmly focused on making Uganda the based footballing nation in Africa, on and off the field.
The vice president took some time off to applaud the coaches for serving the game diligently but also asked them to make the best use of the knowledge they are getting.
“Beach soccer is one of the fastest growing games not only in Uganda, not only in Africa but in the whole world,” he said.
“And for you choosing to associate yourself with it, I think it’s a very good decision. People normally want to associate themselves with things that have already taken off. They don’t want to be part of the process.”
“But I am very humbled to hear that some people from Kenya, Nigeria are here for the course.”
“Very many times coaches leave the classroom, hide the books and say the thing taught cannot work here, they are for the whites.”
“Therefore, I implore you to practice what is being taught, and at the same time, I officially declare this course opened.”
Instructor Bashir Mutyaba
While in Njeru, the coaches are set to learn ball familiarity, coaching styles, training planning, training session structure, coach’s input during training, psychology and mentality, fitness training for beach soccer, match coaching, match analysis, formations, nutrition, injury prevention and rehabilitation, among others.
List of participants: Kinero Swaleh (Harambee Sand Stars – Kenya NT), Kaddu Steven (Grace Church), Ngalire Geoffrey (Rubaga Youths), Musasizi Abdul Haliki ( Jinja Lions), Kutosi Daniel (Gulu), Lubowa Salim (Jiinja Lions), Kulika Ivan, Tayomba Solomon (Jinja Lions), Eng. Ssenfuma Timothy (Mutoola BSC), Omiat George (Kamuli), Joloba Yusuf (MS Sand Lions), Mutungi Alleluya ( Standard High School – Zzana), Isaac Ishioke (Nigeria), Bisaso Brian, Kimuli Tomasi (Mutoola), Kalanzi Gideon (Mutoola), Kalema Steven (Mutoola), Mukwata Peter Roland (Mutoola) and Muwonge Salim (Mutoola)
Beach Soccer in Uganda has continued to take big strides with the growth of the game covering areas of administration, management, national teams and refereeing.
The desire by FUFA and FIFA to help the referees get further technical knowledge of the game has seen the world soccer governing body send French beach soccer referees’ instructor Lakhdar Benchabane to Uganda to handle a group of participants categorized as active referees and referees’ assessors for the FIFA MA Beach soccer referees.
The five-day course that started on Monday 9 th October 2023 has attracted twenty-six beach soccer referees’ instructors and active referees are taking part at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The course ends this Friday.
Uganda Beach Soccer Association Chairman Deo Mutabazi, Buganda region FA Delegate Hassan Kavuma and FUFA Football Development Director Ali Mwebe graced the opening ceremony.
UBSA Charman Deo Mutabazi was the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony and said;
‘The course is very timely for our game in Uganda. It will help us as we continue with preparations for the new season. We thank FIFA and FUFA for the gesture and we believe this is going to improve on the officiating levels in all our competitions. The course will add so much value to the referees due to the modules presented to the participants’
The participants (6 of the 26 are female) will undergo various modules including duties of the time keeper and third referee, opinions and exchange with the referees, among others.
List of participants Ssegawa Moses, Wakayiba Hudson, Ssenvuumo Edrine, Kauma Annet Jackline, Natamba Esther, Wacha Elizabeth Shakira, Ssenteza Muhammad, Joel Chote Munyendoh, Kintu Ivan Bayige, Kadaama Monic, Somoka Roch, Kiragga Edward, Chestit Hakim, Kujjuna Tom, Ssebuliba Edwin, Ndangizi Collins, Kawagga Bazirio Kennedy, Katureebe Andrew, Tiwuwe Eunice, Namugere Bibian, Kato Ian, Mukeshi Micheal, Auma Lydia, Namazzi Miriam, Kimbugwe Hillary Godfrey and David Davies Katabira
About Beach Soccer in Uganda
Started in 2009
FIFA Referees- 4 (Ivan Kintu Bayige, Ssenteza Muhammad, Kawaga Kennedy and Munyendoh Joel Chote).
Beach Soccer trained Referees-20
Beach Soccer Referees’ Instructors-1 (Ali Mwebe-CAF/FIFA Instructor)
Beach Soccer Referees’ Assessors -4 (Hillary Kimbuggwe, David Davies Katabira, Ndawula Muhammad Shaban and Ssebuliba Moses)
Uganda National Beach Soccer Team’s dream of qualifying for the World Cup was extinguished on Monday after suffering a second loss at the ongoing Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Mozambique.
In the final group B game played at Vankulo Arena, Egypt swept aside the Sand Cranes, winning 6-2.
The game was a decider on who takes the second position of the group given the fact that both teams had lost to Senegal who topped the group.
Egypt took the lead though an own goal scored by Ambrose Kigozi before Hossam Salama Ibrahim Hassan scored a brace.
Ismael Bahgat Abdelrazek, Hassane Hussein and Moustafa Shaaban scored the other goals for Egypt.
The consolation goals for Uganda were scored by Baker Lukooya and Brian Nkuubi.
The Sand Cranes will therefore face Malawi in the Classification game on Wednesday to determine the fifth and sixth position.
Angelo Schirinzi, Uganda Sand Cranes coach says Egypt was more superior to his charges.
“Egypt was superior. We have only four players with a very high level, but they were not good today. The learning and lessons remain. I have worked for six weeks with this team and yet I give a positive assessment of our participation in this very well organized competition.” He said.
Ugandan Beach Soccer National Team bagged its first win at the ongoing Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Mozambique after defeating Madagascar on Sunday.
The Sand Cranes needed recovery after losing to Senegal in the opening match of group B to keep hopes of progress alive.
They had to do so in a difficult match against Madagascar and had to to come from down to secure a 6-3 victory.
Four goals from Brian Nkuubi, one from Isma Kawakulo and other from Joshua Letti Lubwama sealed the victory for Uganda Sand Cranes.
Fofo Alexandre ,Ymelda Razafimandimby and Jacques Raharison scored for Madagascar
Uganda returns to action on Monday for the final Group B game against Egypt at 2.30pm (local time). The winner of this game will join Senegal in progressing to the semifinals.
Uganda Sand Cranes head coach Angelo Schirinzi was happy with the result and now all efforts are focused on overcoming Egypt.
“We knew that against Senegal we would not have any chance of winning so we focused our attention on the games against Madagascar and Egypt. I have been with this team for a fortnight and in South Africa we had a great tournament that allowed us to see what level we are at. We also knew that Madagascar is an opponent that would be within our reach. The focus is now to win against Egypt.”
Nkuubi who had a good day on field insists that each day is a final to them and they will do whatever it takes to win against Egypt.
Uganda Sand Cranes had a false start to the 2022 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations after suffering defeat to Senegal on Saturday.
This was the first game in group B as Uganda Sand Cranes played the defending Champions Senegal led Uganda in the 3 periods of the game that are played in a duration of 12 minutes per period.
Senegal scored their first goal through Amar Samb in the second minute of the game and Seydina Diagne made it 2-0 before Raoul Mendy scored a brace to send into a 4-0 lead at the end of the first period.
In the second period, Sand Cranes worked collectively to defend the long ball from the Senegal players until the last seconds of the period when Seydina Diagne scored a free style goal.
In the third period Uganda Sand Cranes tried all avenues possible but Senegal looked strong and defensive before Amar Samb added a second goal, and Mamadou Sylla made it 10:1 with a minute left in the third period
Uganda’s only goal which was a consolation was scored by captain Baker Luukooya.
Uganda plays it’s next game on Sunday 23rd October 2022 against Madagasacar that lost to Egypt in the second match of group B
Angelo Schirinzi the head coach spoke of the superiority of their opponents and said they could not match their power .
“It wasn’t really a good start for us. We came into this game aware that we would be facing the defending Champions and we also expected to face difficulties and that is realistic. Now we have to think about our next opponents, in this case Madagascar and Egypt. We must beat these opponents to reach the semifinals.” He said.
In the other games of the day Egypt beat Madagascar 4(4)-4(3).
The Uganda Beach Soccer National Team safely touched base in Mozambique ahead of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
Sand Cranes players disembarking of a plane.
The Sand Cranes who left the country on Tuesday night reached Mozambique the following day.
Sand Cranes pose for a photo with FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim (holding the ball) shortly before leaving for Mozambique
Upon arrival at Vilankulo International Airport, the contingent was treated to great reception including a cultural dance that saw some of the players and officials take part.
Baker Lukooya (middle) dancing with a local troupe upon arrival in Mozambique.
The 5th edition of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Vilankuko from Friday, 21 October to 28 October.
The Sand Cranes are currently accommodated at Archipelago Resort.
The team under the tutorship of Swiss coach Angelo Schrinzi are pooled in group B alongside defending Champions Senegal, Egypt and Madagascar.
This is the Uganda’s second appearance at the continental showpiece. In the previous edition held in Senegal, Uganda reached the semifinals on their debut.
Uganda Beach Soccer National Team Head Coach Angelo Schrinzi has named the final squad that will feature at 2022 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
The coach confirmed a final list, comprised of 12 players on Tuesday morning.
The team that played at the recently concluded Beach Soccer COSAFA Championship in South Africa has largely been maintained.
The squad named has two goalkeepers, five defenders and five forwards.
The team will depart on Tuesday night (9PM) for Maputo, Mozambique where the tournament will be played between 21st-28th October.
Before departure the team will be officially sent off in a ceremony at FUFA Complex where the coach and players will also interact with the media.
The Sand Cranes are in Group B alongside depending Champions Senegal, Madagascar and Egypt.
It should be noted that this is the second time Uganda is qualifying for the final tournament.
In the last edition, Uganda went all the way to the semifinals before getting eliminated by eventual winners Senegal.
Final Squad for Beach Soccer AFCON
Goalkeepers Samson Kirya (Buganda Royal BSC), Meddie Kibirige (St. Lawrence BSC)
Defenders Jonathan Kikonyogo (St. Lawrence BSC), Allan Katwe (St. Lawrence BSC), Ashraf Opuuli (Mutoola BSC), Paul Lule (Buganda Royal BSC), Joshua Lubwama Letti (St. Lawrence BSC)
Forwards Baker Lukooya (St. Lawrence BSC), Ambrose Kigozi (Buganda Royal BSC), Godfrey Lwesibawa (Buganda Royal BSC), Brian Nkuubi (St. Lawrence BSC), Isma Kawawulo (MUBS BSC)
Officials Ronnie Kalema – Leader of Delegation Deo Mutabazi – UBSA Chairperson Angelo Schrinzi – Head Coach Salim Muwonge – Assistant Coach Tonny Ssebagala – Team Manager Ivan Kulika – Team Doctor Julius Mutebi – Media Officer Anthony Tumwesigye – UBSA Delegate Sharon Nalunga – FUFA Staff
The Sand Cranes have embarked on preparations for BEACH SOCCER AFCON 2022 finals – Mozambique. The squad has players that featured in the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship that took place in Durban, South Africa where the Sand Cranes emerged third out of the eight countries that participated.
Some of the returning players include Lule Paul, Magwali Ronald and Mwere Nicholas whereas Lubega sharif, Steven Nyalimo and Kato Paul are the new additions to the squad.
The team had a double training session under the close supervision of Head Coach, Angelo Schirinzi and his assistant Salim Muwonge who hailed the competitive spirit of the players who trained, adding the start has been brilliant with the tasks and expectations ahead.
“I am very impressed by the commitment and character of the players in attendance. This is a great start ahead of our final tournament. The fitness levels of these players are improving promising and our main emphasis will be on our weaker points.” He said.
Schirinzi promised to give chance to all players as a way of promoting capable and talented Ugandan players.
The players in camp include;
Samson Kirya (Buganda Royal BSC), Meddie Kibirige (St. Lawrence BSC), Ronald Mutebi (St. Lawrence BSC), Peter Mukwata (Mutoola BSC), Lubega Sharif (Buganda Royal BSC), Paul Lule (Buganda Royal BSC), Jonathan Kikonyogo (St. Lawrence BSC), Allan Katwe (St. Lawrence BSC), Asharif Apuuli (Mutoola BSC), Kato Paul (Buganda Royal BSC) Magwali Ronald (Buganda Royal BSC), Onyango Herbert (Jinja Lions BSC), Isma Kawawulo (MUBS BSC), Baker Lukoya (St. Lawrence BSC), Ambrose Kigozi (Buganda Royal BSC), Joshua Lubwama (St. Lawrence BSC), Shaka Ssozi (Jinja Lions BSC), Nicholas Mwere(Jinja Lions BSC), Godfrey Lwesibawa (Buganda Royal BSC), Brian Nkuubi (St. Lawrence BSC) and Steven Nyalimo (Kiringente BSC).
Uganda National Beach Soccer Team (Sand Cranes) continued with their impressive start at the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship after defeating Mauritius on Monday.
The team under the stewardship of coach Angelo Schrinizi routed Mauritus 9-2 in the game played at the Beach Arena in Durban, South Africa.
Goalkeeper Samson Kirya denies a Mauritius player.
Ambrose Kigozi once again put up a brilliant display, scoring a hat trick to take his goal tally to five at the tournament. He was also named man of the match like it was the case in the opening game against Tanzania.
Ambrose Kigozi.
The other goals came from Ashraf Apuuli (brace), Isma Kawawulo, Brian Nkuubi, Baker Lukooya and Joshua Lubwama.
Isma Kawawulo all smiles after scoring.
The result all but sends Uganda to the semifinals despite having one more group game against Egypt on Wednesday.
Coach Schrinizi was impressed with the performance of the players and hopes for more improvement.
Godfrey Lwesibawa challenges for the ball.
“I thank the lads for a job well done but obviously there is more room to do better and our next opponent is more experienced so we may need to offer something beyond the two games played.” He said.
Uganda is using the tournament as part of preparations for the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations that will take place next month in Maputo, Mozambique.
Uganda made a perfect start to the 2022 HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship, defeating Tanzania on Sunday.
Sand Cranes celebrate after winning against Tanzania.
In what was coach Angelo Schrinizi’s first game as coach of the Sand Cranes, the team managed to pick a 4-2 win at the South Beach Arena in Durban, South Africa.
Ambrose Kigozi orchestrated the damage on Tanzania scoring a brace while Joshua Lubwama and Isma Kawawulo got the other goals. Kigozi was at the end named man of the match.
Ambrose Kigozi with his man of the match accolade.
The Sand Cranes return to action on Monday (today) against Mauritius. The final group game will come against Egypt on Wednesday.
Uganda Beach Soccer National Team Coach Angelo Schrinizi has named the final squad that will feature at the forthcoming HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship.
The Swiss gaffer has on Tuesday confirmed a final list of 14 players from the provisional team that has been training at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Coach Angelo Schrinizi conducting training at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The Sand Cranes team named is composed of three goalkeepers, five defenders and six forwards.
The team will travel to Durban, South Africa on Friday morning ahead of the tournament that starts on 25th September and run up to 1st October.
Uganda is in Group B alongside Tanzania, Egypt and Mauritius.
The tournament will act as part of preparation for the Sand Cranes ahead of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations next month in Mozambique.
Final Squad for COSAFA
Goalkeepers Samson Kirya (Buganda Royal BSC), Meddie Kibirige (St. Lawrence BSC), Ronald Mutebi (St. Lawrence BSC)
Defenders Jonathan Kikonyogo (St. Lawrence BSC), Allan Katwe (St. Lawrence BSC), Ashraf Apuuli (Mutoola BSC), Isma Kawawulo (MUBS BSC), Peter Mukwata (Mutoola BSC)
Forwards Baker Lukoya (St. Lawrence BSC), Ambrose Kigozi (Buganda Royal BSC), Joshua Lubwama (St. Lawrence BSC), Shaka Ssozi (Jinja Lions BSC), Godfrey Lwesibawa (Buganda Royal BSC), Brian Nkuubi (St. Lawrence BSC)
New Sand Cranes coach Angelo Schirinzi had his first interaction with the team on Saturday at FUFA Technical Centre,Njeru.
Coach Angelo Schrinizi arriving at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
The Swiss gaffer who was unveiled by FUFA on Friday took no time to get to work and straight away took charge of proceedings.
Coach Angelo Schrinizi with FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim (L) during his unveiling.
He was first introduced to the players and officials before supervising a training session.
He was impressed with the attitude of the players on his maiden session.
Sand Cranes players and officials listening to coach Angelo Schrinizi.
“It was a good session with the players and everyone looked motivated. Definitely I will get time to learn them more but I was impressed with their attitude and abilities on the first day,” he said.
The Sand Cranes are currently in camp preparing for the HOLYWOODBETS COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship where Uganda will feature as a guest nation.
The tournament that will be plated between 25th September -1st October will act as a precursor to the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations slated for next month.
At the Beach Soccer AFCON, Uganda is placed in Group B alongside defending Champions Senegal, Egypt and Madagascar.
