Uganda Beach Soccer National Team (Sand Cranes) head coach Salim Jamal Muwonge has summoned a squad of 20 players to begin preparations for the 2021 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Ghana.
Uganda will face Ghana on 27th March 2021 at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru and a return leg away between 9th-10th April.
The team will enter residential camp on Monday, 8th March at the FUFA Technical Centre.
Defenders Paul Lule (Buganda Royal) Davis Kasujja (MUBS) Douglas Muganga (MUBS) Paul Kato (Buganda Royal) Suleiman Ochero (St. Lawrence University)
Midfielders Peter Mukwata (Mutoola Beach) Swaibu Kakwaya (Buganda Royal) Alex Emmanuel Wasswa (St. Lawrence University) Ronald Magwali (Buganda Royal) Rica Byaruhanga (Isabet)
Forwards Ismail Kawawulo (MUBS) Brian Nkuubi (St. Lawrence University) Said Munir (MUBS) Swalleh Ssimbwa (St. Lawrence University) Godfrey Lwesibwa (Buganda Royal) Baker Lukooya (St. Lawrence University)
Officials Head coach – Salim Jamal Muwonge Assistant Manager – Peter Sseguya Fitness Coach – Charles Lukula Ayiekoh Team Physician – Ivan Kulika Team Manager – Tonny Ssebagala Media Officer – Julius Bazzeketta
About the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (added information via internet)
The 2021 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will be the fourth edition of the Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations (BSAFCON), the premier beach soccer championship in Africa contested by men’s national teams who are members of the Confederation of African football (CAF). Originally organised by Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) under the title FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup CAF qualifier (informally known as CAF Beach Soccer Championship), in 2015, CAF became organisers and began using the BSAFCON title to which the competition was officially renamed the next year.
Overall, this will be the 10th edition of the event.
The tournament was due to take place in Uganda between 23 and 29 November 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and rising water levels on the shores of Lake Victoria affecting the host beach, Uganda withdrew from hosting.Senegal were subsequently chosen as the new hosts,with the tournament rescheduled to take place from 23 to 29 May 2021,in the city of Saly.
The event also acts as the qualification route for African teams to the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Russia; the winners and runners-up qualify.
Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) fulfilled its statutory requirement of holding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) prior to the FUFA General Assembly slated for next month.
It should be noted that UBSA is one of the 34 members that constitute the football governing body in Uganda.
UBSA held its 8th ordinary AGM on Saturday at Pope Paul Memorial Hotel in Lubaga, Kampala. This came at the time when the association was marking ten years of existence of the game of beach soccer in Uganda.
UBSA Executive Committee at the 2020 AGM
In his remarks, the chairman of UBSA, Deo Mutabazi indicated the journey has had both highs and lows but he is proud that the game has managed to wither through the storm.
UBSA Chairman Deo Mutabazi addressing the AGM.
“If you look at how we started, there is definitely a reason to be proud. There were challenges at the beginning but the success attained over the ten years is a basis for us to be proud.” He said.
“From unrecognised tournaments, we set up competitive leagues for both men and women, set up a national team and spread the game not only in Uganda but even with our neighbours in the region.” Mutabazi added.
FUFA EXCO Member, Ahmid Juma who represented President Eng. Moses Magogo as the guest of honour lauded UBSA for remaining committed towards developing the game.
FUFA Executive Committee Member, Ahmid Juma.
“As FUFA, we laud UBSA for the efforts in promoting the game. Personally, I have been part of the journey and I know the challenges we have faced. But I’m very proud that we have been able to carry on. FUFA is committed towards improving the game both on and off the pitch.”
FUFA Deputy CEO- Football, Decolas Kiiza who also graced the function asserted that the Federation is committed to help the game make strides in every aspect.
“The journey for the last ten years is one to be proud of. From humble beginnings, beach soccer has made steady progress and with the support of FUFA, we are confident that the future is bright.”
At the function, UBSA made special recognition to Mr. Ahmid Juma and FUFA Finance officer (in his absence) with awards for their contribution towards the growth of the game.
FUFA EXCO Member Ahmid Juma was recognised for his contribution towards beach soccer in Uganda.
The assembly announced a budget of UGX 871, 800, 000 for the year 2020/2021.
FUFA will hold its Ordinary AGM on 17th October at Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala.
FUFA has today (16/4/2020) handed over 12.5 tonnes of rice to the National Covid-19 Task Force to be distributed to the communities during this period of the lock down as a result of the pandemic that broke out around the world.
‘FUFA has responded to the call by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is a great supporter of football at all levels by donating 12.5 tonnes of rice to the National Task force through the Office of the Prime Minister for onward distribution’ said FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.
‘The donation will also cater for over 2000 football players and officials in the Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big League, FUFA Women Super League and FUFA Women Elite League country wide who are no longer earning without football being played due to the current lock down’ added Magogo.
The National Task force Covid-19 was represented by Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut.
‘We welcome the donation and this will help us add to what we have already received. We encourage everyone to remain fit during this period’ noted Hon. Karooro.
The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo briefing the media after handing over the food items at Prime Minister’s office in Kampala.
Hon. Hamson Denis Obua
‘On behalf of the sports sub sector of Uganda, i would like to salute FUFA through this humble donation of rice to the National task force of Covid-19. We are optimistic as a country in response to the call by H.E. the President of Uganda, the sports subsector although has been greatly affected together with tourism through FUFA we are able to make this humble contribution. I call upon all the sports loving members of the society who can make a contribution just like FUFA has done to follow suit but there is also a provision in the Bible in the Acts of Apostles Chapter 20 verse 35 that says; there is more blessing in giving than receiving. So i call upon you, all the sports fans of Uganda if you have the ability to provide, the timeb is now’
FUFA President was accompanied to event by 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha and 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi together with the CEO Edgar Watson.
Beach soccer in Uganda has made great strides over the years with a number of success stories registered. The growth of the game has seen a number of players show their adeptness to play and some have gone ahead to feature for the Uganda national beach soccer team (The Sand Cranes).
Suleiman Ochero who plies his trade with St. Lawrence University is the reigning beach soccer player of the year and www.fufa.co.ug caught up with him for one on one interview.
Below is excerpt;
Who is Suleiman Ochero?
My name is Suleiman Ochero, a down to earth person but at the same time very social. I have been a journeyman since childhood since my father is soldier so I can’t tell where is was born. I attended very many primary schools like Kasijjagirwa Army Primary school, Kotido Mixed Primary school, Lomukura Primary School. Then I joined Standard High School Zzana for my Secondary Education and Makerere University Business School for University.
Where did you pick the interest to play football?
As we all grow up playing, my dad was a footballer but unfortunately the day he took us to watch him for the fast time he got a knee injury that ended his playing times and then I was very young at around 7 years of age.
When did you start playing football?
Like I said earlier, I started playing at a tender age but I got serious with it in high school under coach Edward Kaziba who is currently at SC Villa. He saw my potential and took me to Villa Park in 2009 because he was my coach at Standard High school Zzana.
When did you start playing Beach Soccer?
We had a friendly game with some of my friends like Brian Nkuubi and Baker Lukooya and there was someone who was watching us (that is Devis Nono, the current coach at St. Lawrence University).
He sold to us the idea of starting a beach soccer team and were positive about it. So that is how I got into beach soccer in 2014 and surprisingly, we won the league in our debut season.
Do you have any achievements in beach soccer?
FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye handing over a trophy to St. Lawrence University Beach Soccer Club captain Ochero Sulaiman
Yes, and quite a number of achievements including being crowned the best beach soccer player last year.
I have won the Uganda Beach Soccer Association League twice, won Muwanguzi Cup and I have also been able to play for the national team.
Talking about the Airtel FUFA Beach Soccer player accolade, how did you feel when you were announced the winner?
FUFA 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha hands over an accolade to beach soccer player Sulaiman Ochero
I was delighted definitely because I had had good performance, being the league MVP and top scorer and we also managed to win Muwanguzi Cup.
I indeed got satisfied that my efforts were appreciated. Like I said, the journey did not start yesterday. There have been many struggles along the way and the fact that I was previously nominated but did not win it, when I eventually got it, I felt happy.
Baker Lukooya and Brian Nkuubi were nominees in the first edition yet they were my teammates, this motivated me to work hard.
In 2018, I was the first runner-up but still I did not frown. Instead I went back to add on what was missing and indeed I returned back stronger last year.
What did you mean when you said that the Award will give your more sleepless nights?
I was simply meaning that I have to keep planning on how to keep at the top because I am the best Beach Soccer player currently.
Who is your role model in Beach Soccer?
For me, the ex-Portugal captain Madjer who retired after winning the last Beach Soccer World Cup in Paraguay for. He had good technique of shooting the ball either short or long range plus leadership skills. Then there are also Brazilian-born Portuguese twin brothers Leo and Bernado Martins.
I also have respect for Brazil’s Rodrigo and Gabrielle Igori of Italy
Can one play 11 football and Beach Soccer at the same time?
Yes, and no.
Yes- Here in Uganda beach soccer is not yet professional and it’s played once in a week and only for 30 minutes on a Sunday so it can’t affect the 11-aside program unless otherwise.
No- However, in other developed countries that have professional beach soccer clubs it isn’t possible for a player to feature for both.
Uganda is hosting AFCON Beach Soccer this year, how big an opportunity is it for you players
Suleiman Ochero (in red) playing for the Sand Cranes
It’s a very big platform for us to play at such a stage. We have not played at AFCON before meaning we need to work hard and improve a lot because we shall be facing the best players from the rest of the African Continent.
In addition, it is an opportunity for us to show our abilities and attract attention from other clubs because there will be many scouts looking out for talented players.
Do you see any progress for beach soccer from the time you started and now?
There has been a lot of progress not only for players but even the game at large. When I started there was no national team but now look at where the game is. We have a beach soccer national team that is very competitive.
I take this opportunity to thank FUFA for the consorted efforts towards developing beach soccer and the chairman Deo Mutabazi for being at the forefront of the game.
What advice would you give to young boys & girls playing football?
They need to remain focused and always work hard. Sport is about determination and nowadays, talent alone is not enough but rather the time you invest.
Additionally, they should remain in school because it is important to attain education.
As you are aware, H.E. President of the Republic of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has this evening addressed the Nation and relayed to all citizens guidelines to be observed during a 32- day period in the fight against the deadly virus (COVID-19).
FUFA wishes to urge its stakeholders to join the fight against this pandemic by observing the hygiene practices and Standards Operation Procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Health (MoH):
1. Wash your hands frequently with Soap and water or use alcohol based hand rub.
2. When sneezing or coughing cover your nose and mouth, use tissue or clean handkerchief and dispose it safely.
3. Avoid shaking hands and hugging at all times.
4. When sick with flu like symptoms avoid going to public gathering, stay at home to avoid infecting others.
5. Avoid spitting in public, spit in toilet or pit latrine.
6. Avoid unnecessary travels especially to countries with COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms.
7. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible.
8. Keep a distance from the next person (1 metre).
9. When sick with fever, cough or difficulty in breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
FUFA also announces that during this 32 days period (till Sunday 19th April 2020) or as advised otherwise;
1. All FUFA authorised competitions will remain suspended suffice to say the Uganda Premier League (UPL) , the FUFA Big League (FBL), the FUFA Juniors League (FJL), the FUFA Regional League (FRL), the 4th Division League, the 5th Division League, the FUFA Women Super League (FWSL), the FUFA Women Elite League (FWEL), the FUFA Uganda Cup, the FUFA Women Cup, the Futsal and Beach Soccer Leagues and all FUFA authorised competitions.
2. The FUFA Secretariat henceforth be closed to the public but the FUFA Staff will be available by telephone and email.
3. Receipt of correspondence in hard copy form will be limited.
4. The FUFA Secretariat communication channels will remain open with all official emails especially admin@fufauganda.com.
5. All staff are advised to use Thursday 19th March 2020 and Friday 20th March 2020 collect their children from school to meet the Government of Uganda (GOU) guidelines.
FUFA strongly recommends to the football family to strictly observe the measures, guidelines, and SoPs issued by the Government of Uganda and Ministry of Health to be healthy beyond this pandemic.
In case of any emergencies and critical information, report to +256 772 408 661.
2019 Copa Dar es Salaam Beach Soccer Championship:
Match Day 5 Results:
Uganda 🇺🇬 6-5 🇲🇼 Malawi
Tanzania 6-3 Burundi
Uganda Sand Cranes settled for second place and earned silver medals at the 2019 Copa Dar es Salaam championship concluded on Boxing Day at Coco beach in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Uganda’s second victory at the championship, toppling Malawi 6-5 was good enough to cement second place.
Uganda Sand Cranes players celebrate one of their six goals against Malawi on Boxing Day
Alex Emmanuel Wasswa scored a hattrick with the three other goals coming from Peter Rowch Somoka, Godfrey Lwesibawa and Douglas Muganga.
Malawi’s goals were by Isaac Kajamu (brace), Sandam Saidi, James Chikoka and Vanacio Malunga.
Tanzania beat Burundi 6-3 to win the trophy for the third time in a row.
Uganda Sand Cranes team
The Sand Cranes scored fifteen goals and conceded thirteen goal thanks for the splendid display of the team skipper and goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige together with the team top scorer Wasswa who had five goals written to his name.
Kibirige was named best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Team coach Salim Jamal Muwonge highly praised the Federation of Uganda Football Associations especially the FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo for the support to the game of Beach Soccer and the Sand Cranes in particular.
Muwonge adds that the Copa Dar es Salaam is a good test for the Sand Cranes since it the only engagement for his boys through the year especially when there isn’t any continental engagement and the 2019 edition is more vital as Uganda prepares to host AFCON Beach Soccer 2020.
Suleiman Ochero, the reigning Airtel FUFA Beach Soccer player of the year shoots
‘Our main objective was to win this year’s championship though it slid off our hands and we finished runners up. I am very delighted by the federation especially the FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo for registering and funding our team to take part in this competition. This year’s championship it is vital in our preparation for the upcoming AFCON Beach Soccer 2020’ Said Muwonge.
Uganda Sand Cranes goalkeeper and captain shows off his award as best goalkeeper
Awards Fair play: Seychelles
Top Scorer: Sandam Ussi – 9 goals
Best Coach: Jean Karumba – Burundi
Best goalkeeper: Meddie Kibirige (Uganda)
MVP: Jaruph Juma (Tanzania)
3rd- Burundi
2rd- Uganda
1st- Tanzania
Alex Emmanuel Wasswa carries Douglas Muganga in celebrations
Uganda Sand Cranes Results
Tanzania 3 (0) -3 (2) Uganda
Burundi 5-4 Uganda
Seychelles 0-2 Uganda
Uganda 6-5 Malawi
*Team Uganda returns on 27th December 2019 at 7 PM aboard Kenya Airways
2019 Copa Dar es Salaam Beach Soccer Championship:
Seychelles 🇸🇨 0-2 🇺🇬 Uganda
Tanzania 5-3Malawi
Uganda Sand Cranes registered a slim 2-0 win over Seychelles at the Coco beach during the 2019 Copa Dar es Salaam beach soccer championship on Christmas day.
Striker Alex Emmanuel Wasswa scored the two goals for Uganda.
Striker Alex Emmanuel Wasswa (middle) is congratulated by teammates Paul Lule and Douglas Muganga after scoring
On the same day, hosts Tanzania beat Malawi 5-3.
Uganda will now face Malawi in the final day on boxing day.
Meanwhile, Tanzania will face Burundi on the same day. Both Tanzania and Burundi are on 6 points apiece as Uganda has four points.
Godfrey Lwesibawa (middle) sandwiched by two Seychelles players during the 2019 Copa Dar es salaam tourney
All is not lost for the Uganda Sand Cranes despite the slim 5-4 slip to Burundi on match day three of the 2019 Copa Dar es Salaam beach soccer championship at Coco beach in Tanzania.
Moussa Masud as well as a brace apiece from Amissi Niyonkuru and Aboubakar Ndayishimiye elevated Burundi to their third victory at the championship.
Douglas Muganga, Suleiman Ochero, Faizal Muwawu and Ronald Magwali got the goals for Uganda Sand Cranes on a day that rained goals at the Coco beach facility.
Uganda Sand Cranes team group photo before the game against Burundi
Earlier, Malawi lost 8-9 to Seychelles in the game that has so far produced most goals (17) in a single fixture.
This was Burundi’s third victory following two earlier wins against Seychelles and Malawi in 6-3 and 5-7 respectively.
Uganda Sand Cranes also has to play two more games against Malawi and Seychelles.
On Christmas day, Uganda will play Seychelles before winding up the tournament with a date against Malawi on 26th December 2019.
The format of play is round robin with the leader after all the rounds declared as the overall winner.
Tanzania has won the previous two editions.
Some of the officials on the Uganda team in respect of the national anthem prior to kick off
Match Day 3: Tuesday, December 24: Uganda Vs Burundi (4:45 PM)
Match Day 4: Uganda Vs Seychelles (Date & Time to be communicated)
Match Day 5: Uganda Vs Malawi (Date & Time to be communicated)
The Uganda Beach Soccer Team (Sand Cranes) will take on Burundi in their second game at the third edition of the Annual Copa Dar es Salam Beach Soccer Tournament at Coco Beach located along the shores of the Indian Ocean in Tanzania on Tuesday.
Coming to this game, Uganda edged hosts Tanzania in the opening duel, winning 2-0 on post match penalties after a 3 all draw in normal time as extra time still failed to separate the two sides.
The team conducted a recovery training session on Monday morning at Coco beach and all the 12 players who traveled are ready for action.
Head Coach Salim Jamal Muwonge was excited by the players’ response albeit the extra energy used in a game against Tanzania on Sunday evening.
‘I have been amazed by the players’ response; the boys have been so lively during the recovery session. Our focus is now on the upcoming game against Burundi on Tuesday thus we have tried to rectify the mistakes from the Tanzania game’ said Muwonge.
Star player Rica Byaruhanga said his teammates are focused and in good shape. They listen attentively to the coaches’ tactics as they focus on the next game against Burundi.
Rica Byaruhanga passes the ball during the recovery training session
The recovery session for Uganda Sand Cranes on Monday
The tournament will be played on a round-robin format and the team with the most points amassed emerges winner.
The Uganda Sand Cranes players in training
Sand Cranes Players:
Goalkeepers: Meddie Kibirige, Nasser Lwamunda
Outfield players: Paul Lule, Douglas Muganga, Davis Kasujja, Rica Byaruhanga, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Sulaiman Ochero, Alex Emmanuel Wasswa, Ronald Magwali, Roch Peter Somoka, Faizo Muwawu.
Officials:
Leader of Delegation: Mr. Ronnie Kalema (FUFA Exco Member)
Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) Chairman: Deo Mutabazi
The Uganda National Beach Soccer Team (Sand Cranes) started the Copa Dar es Salaam Beach Soccer Tournament on a high note after defeating hosts Tanzania in a shootout.
The scoreboard indicated three on each side at the end of the three normal periods pushing the game to the extra three minutes which weren’t also enough to separate the two sides.
Lule Paul scored in his own net during the first period of the game giving the hosts an early lead while Davis Kasujja leveled for Uganda after a few minutes thus ending the first period on level.
Uganda Sand Cranes players celebrate
Godfrey Lwesibawa headed in the second which separated the two sides at the start of the second period but Jaruph Juma restored parity till the end of the second period.
Stephano Wales and Lule Paul scored for Tanzania and Uganda respectively during the third period thus forcing the official to push the game to extra three minutes which seemed too little for more goals to separate the two sides.
More pressure mounted on both sides when the first referee blew the final whistle calling for shootouts to separate the two sides.
Action between Uganda Sand Cranes and Tanzania at Coco Beach
Godfrey Lwesibawa wasn’t afraid to lead the way and converted the first penalty for Uganda and then came time for team skipper and custodian Meddie Kibirige to save his team which he did by comfortably stopping Tanzania’s Abdulkadir Ally Tabib.
Uganda’s Magwali Ronald shot wide to give the hosts some hope of coming back to the game. Juma Sultan Ibrahim shot wide the second one for Tanzania and Byaruhanga Rica did no mistake rather than converting the last one for the Sand Cranes sending every one into wild celebrations.
The Sand Cranes now stand second log with one point second to Seychelles with three points after winning their first game against Burundi 6-3.
Team captain Meddie Kibirige thanked his teammates for the spirited fight and urged them to put celebrations on hold until the final day of the tournament.
Uganda Sand Cranes captain and goalkeeper Meddie Kibirige restarts play
‘I thank my teammates for the spirited fight and tireless efforts that led us to victory. It hasn’t been an easy encounter but a point off the hosts is enough for us to build on in our bid to win the championship’ said Kibirige.
The Sand Cranes return to the pitch on Tuesday against Burundi at 4.45 PM.
Match Day 1: Sunday, December 22: Tanzania Vs Uganda (4:45 PM)
Match Day 3: Tuesday, December 24: Burundi Vs Uganda (4:45 PM)
Match Day 4: Seychelles Vs Uganda (Date & Time to be communicated)
Match Day 5: Uganda Vs Malawi (Date & Time to be communicated)
The Uganda Beach Soccer Team (Sand Cranes) is upbeat about their first encounter against the hosts in the 3rd edition of the Annual Copa Dar es Salam Beach Soccer Tournament at Coco Beach located along the shores of the Indian Ocean in Tanzania
The team which arrived in Dar es Salam on Friday evening aboard Kenya Airways is accommodated at Rungwe Palace Hotel, Kariako in the heart of the City.
Uganda Sand Cranes players during training in Dar
On Saturday evening the team under the stewardship of Salim Jamal Muwonge assisted by Bashir Mutyaba conducted a training session in preparation for the first match against the hosts Tanzania on Sunday evening.
Team Coach Salim Muwonge is confident that the players will put up the best display due to the facilitation from the Federation and better preparations.
‘We have had the best preparations since we started taking part in the Copa Dar es Salama Beach Soccer Tournament. The team had a two weeks’ camp and we also traveled by plane which wasn’t the case during the first two editions where we had no camp and traveled by bus to Dar es Salam. We are looking forward to the first match against the hosts because it will give us the right tempo for the next games’ said Muwonge.
Uganda Sand Cranes training at Coco beach in Dar es salaam on Saturday.
The coach added that they are eyeing the trophy this time since the team finished third during the first edition, runners up in the second edition.
The tournament will be played on a round-robin format and the team with the most points amassed emerges winner.
Sand Cranes Players:
Goalkeepers: Meddie Kibirige, Nasser Lwamunda
Outfield players: Paul Lule, Douglas Muganga, Davis Kasujja, Rica Byaruhanga, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Sulaiman Ochero, Alex Emmanuel Wasswa, Ronald Magwali, Roch Peter Somoka, Faizo Muwawu.
Officials:
Leader of Delegation: Mr. Ronnie Kalema (FUFA Exco Member)
Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) Chairman: Deo Mutabazi
Match Day 1: Sunday, December 22: Tanzania Vs Uganda (4:45 PM)
Match Day 3: Tuesday, December 24: Burundi Vs Uganda (4:45 PM)
Match Day 4: Seychelles Vs Uganda (Date & Time to be communicated)
Match Day 5: Uganda Vs Malawi (Date & Time to be communicated)
Participating Teams: Tanzania (Hosts), Uganda, Malawi, Seychelles, Burundi
The 20 man delegation of the Uganda national beach soccer team (Sand Cranes) to Tanzania for the 2019 Copa Dar es Salaam has been confirmed.
FUFA Executive committee member Ronnie Kalema will spur head the delegation that departs the country on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 10 AM aboard the Uganda Airlines Bombardier.
The 12 players on the team have two goalkeepers; Meddie Kibirige and Nasser Lwamunda.
The other outfield players include; Paul Lule, Douglas Muganga, Davis Kasujja, Rica Byaruhanga, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Sulaiman Ochero, Alex Emmanuel Wasswa, Ronald Magwali, Rowch Peter Somoka and Faizo Muwawu.
The final team was selected by the technical team led by head coach Salim Jamal Muwonge after a fortnight of intense residential training at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Uganda Sand Cranes team in training at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
Uganda Sand Cranes training at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
Uganda’s Fixtures:
The tournament will kick off on Sunday, December 22 with two matches.
Hosts Tanzania take on Uganda Sand Cranes in the second game of the day that will kick off by 4:45 PM at the Coco beach.
Uganda will rest out on Monday, 23rd December before engaging Burundi in their second game on Tuesday, December 24 at 4:45 PM.
Match Day 4 will see Uganda take on Seychelles (Date & Time to be communicated) and wind down against Malawi on match day five (Date & Time to be communicated).
Last year, Uganda finished second in the competition.
The Copa Dar es Salaam tournament is envisaged as part of the early arrangements undertaken by FUFA to help prepare the Uganda Sand Cranes team for the forthcoming AFCON 2020 Beach Soccer championship that shall be hosted in Uganda.
Delegation:
Leader of delegation: Ronnie Kalema (FUFA Executive Committee Member)
UBSA Chairman: Deo Mutabazi
Beach soccer Delegate: Anthony Tumwesigye
Head Coach: Salim Jamal Muwonge
Assistant Coach: Bashir Mutyaba
Team physician: Ivan Kulika
Team manager: Tonny Ssebagala
Media: Hamza Nsereko Kawuma
Players:
Goalkeepers: Meddie Kibirige, Nasser Lwamunda
Outfield players: Paul Lule, Douglas Muganga, Davis Kasujja, Rica Byaruhanga, Godfrey Lwesibawa, Sulaiman Ochero, Alex Emmanuel Wasswa, Ronald Magwali, Rowch Peter Somoka, Faizo Muwawu
Uganda Sand Cranes Head Coach Salim Jamal Muwonge has named the squad to begin preparations for COPA Dar es Salaam Beach Soccer Tournament in Tanzania from 20th – 26th December 2019.
The list has reigning Airtel FUFA Awards Beach Soccer player of the year Ronald Mutebi (St. Lawrence University), Sulaiman Ochero (St. Lawrence University) and Luboyera Herbert.
Other players in the 20-man squad are; Meddie Kibirige (GK) (Isabeti), Nasser Lwamunda (GK) (Mutoola) Micheal Kalule (GK) (St. Lawrence University).
Paul Lule (Buganda Royal), Davis Kasujja (MUBS), Rica Byaruhanga (ISABETI), Douglas Muganga (MUBS), Peter Mukwata (Mutoola), Swaib Kakwaya (Buganda Royal) Emmanuel Wasswa (St. Lawrence univ), Ronald Magwali (Buganda Royal), Roch Somoka (Isabeti) Benson Ocen (MUBS), Swalleh Ssimbwa (St Lawrence Univ), Godfrey Lwesibawa (Buganda Royal), and Faisal Sekiti (Wolves).
‘We have selected 20 players that we believe are the best and have been playing together on the National team. Our hopes are high and we shall compete for silverware’ said Head Coach Muwonge
The team will start training on 3rd December at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
Sand Cranes finished runners-up in the previous COPA Dar es Salaam after losing to the hosts Tanzania in the final.
A five day FIFA Beach soccer refereeing course is underway at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru with 27 participants (referees and assessors) taking patt. The course has also attracted four female referees and six from the foreign countries that make up the CECAFA Region.
The main aim of the course is to prepare referees to correctly interpret and apply the Laws of the Game during local and international assignments.
L-R FIFA Instructor Michele Conti, Uganda Football Referees Association Chairman Ronnie Kalema (M) and FUFA Football Development Director Ali Mwebe during the official opening of the FIFA Beach Soccer Referees Course in Njeru.
Italian FIFA Instructor, Michele Conti who is in c arge of the course commended FUFA for championing the development of the game having already got four beach soccer international referees.
During the official opening ceremony on Tuesday morning, Ronnie Kalema, the FUFA Excom member related the support of FUFA to the to the game with high-level capacity building programmes aimed at developing the referees in line with FUFA’s mission to ‘Develop, Promote and Protect football for all.’
Relatedly, Ivan Kintu Bayige, has been appointed to officiate at the 2019 COPA LAGOS Beach Soccer tournament in November in Nigeria. Bayige will be appearing at the tournament for the second time.
Participants taking part in the FIFA Beach Soccer Referees Course at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru
The course is also part of the preparations for next year’s AFCON Beach Soccer finals to be hosted by Uganda. The Uganda National team-Sand Cranes will qulaify automatically to participate in the tournament from which the best two teams will represent Africa in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
Uganda Football Referees Association Chairman Ronnie Kalema with FIFA Instructor Michele Conti
FUFA has further confirmed the participation of Uganda Sand Cranes in the annual Regional Championship, COPA Dar es Salaam to be hosted by Tanzania Football Federation in December.
Second Samson Muwanguzi memorial Beach Soccer tournament:
First Round (Knock out basis for 6 games)– Saturday, 23rd March 2019
*Defending Champions Stormers and losing finalists MUBS given a bye from first round
Second Round– Sunday, 24th March 2019
*At Lido Beach, Entebbe (Kick off Time – 11 AM)
The draws for the second edition of the Samson Muwanguzi memorial tournament were held on Tuesday, 19th March 2019 at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala.
FUFA licensing manager and FIFA Beach Soccer Referee Ivan Kintu Bayige supervised the draws.
Ivan Kintu Bayige supervised the draws
The draws were also witnessed by club representatives, members of the media as well as Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) officials led by the vice Chairman in charge of administration, Peter Sseguya, Executive committee member Ssemwogerere Mukiibi, members of the UBSA competitions committee Sarah Birungi and Phoebe Kutamba.
Last year’s finalists Stormers and MUBS were given a bye at first round. In some of the first round matches, Mutoola Beach club will play St Lawrence University in the opener.
Mpigi based Kiringente takes on Buganda Royal University, Mutesa I Royal University will play Kampala International University (KIU), Entebbe Sharks against Talented, MS Sand Lions will battle Isabeti as Entebbe Old Stars will lock horns with Nkumba University.
Phoebe Kutamba drew Entebbe Old Stars to host Nkumba University
Sarah Birungi drew Isabeti against MS Sand Lions
The first round will be played on Saturday, 23rd March 2019 on a knock out basis, kicking off at 11 AM.
The six clubs will join the two clubs given a bye (defending champions Stormers and runners up, MUBS).
Sports journalist Ali Ssewanyana picked Talented against Entebbe Sharks
UBSA Executive Committee member Ssemwogerere Mukiibi displays the Kiringente
Round two will commence with the quarter finals kicking off at 11 AM before the semi-finals and finals will follow suit.
‘The Samson Muwanguzi memorial beach soccer tournament is an annual championship that was previously known as the Copa Entebbe. It is played in honour of the late Samson Muwanguzi, the former proprietor of Lido beach. He was integral in the development of beach soccer in Uganda’ Peter Sseguya noted.
UBSA committee members Ssemwogerere Mukiibi (left) and Peter Sseguya pose with the main trophy.
The winning team will smile home with a trophy and gold medals. The first and second runners up will get silver and bronze medals respectively.
There are special prizes for the top scorer, best goalkeeper, fair play award and the best overall player (Most Valuable Player).
First Round matches (Saturday, 23rd March 2019):
Mutoola beach Vs St Lawrence
Kiringaente Vs Buganda Royal
Mutesa Royal Vs KIU
Entebbe Sharks Vs Talented
MS Sand Lions Vs Isabeti
Entebbe Old Stars Vs Nkumba University
Second round – quarter finals, semifinals and finals (Sunday, 24th March 2019)
Samson Muwanguzi Memorial Beach Soccer Trophy
MAIN: Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) vice chairman in charge of administration Peter Sseguya during the draws for the Samson Muwanguzi memorial beach soccer tournament at FUFA House
A total of twenty-six coaches enrolled for the FUFA Beach Soccer Coaching course which commenced on Friday 8th February 2019 at the FUFA Special Interest Group offices in Lungujja Kampala and will run up to Monday 11th February 2019.
The four-day course which will have the theory and practical sessions has attracted practicing coaches from the National Beach Soccer League for both men and women plus the University Beach Soccer teams.
According to Deo Mutabazi the Chairman Uganda Beach Soccer Association, the coaches will have to write exams which will be the classification criteria to grade and license them in line with the new FIFA coaching manual.
‘We have organized this course to catch up with the global technical changes since the last one we held was in 2015. It is this same course we shall use to grade and license coaches after they have sat for exams at the end’ said Mutabazi
Deo Mutabaazi Chairman UBSA
He added that the same course has kickstarted the arrangements for the AFCON Beach Soccer 2020 to be hosted by Uganda.
‘We have started our preparations for AFCON Beach Soccer 2020 and we thought of the coaches who will handle the national team players we are intending to use for the tournament because our intention is to win the trophy’ added Mutabazi
Prossy Nabukeera the only lady participant
CAF instructor Ali Mwebe together with Bashir Mutyaba are taking charge of the course.
FUFA Instructor Bashir Mutyaba takes charge of the class
List of confirmed participants
Alex Gitta , Meshaca Bogere, Emmanuel Amagu, Ssemwogerer Mukiibi, Sulaiman Bbossa, Moses Lukyamuzi, Swaib Bin Nasur, Tonny Ssebagala, Isa Asiimwe, Salim Muwonge, Rogers Nkugwa, Prossy Nabukeera, Tom Kimuli, Peter Seguya, Goefrey Akabwai, Micheal Ssekiranda, Charles Ayiekoh Lukula, Davis Nnono Ssozi, Fahad Sebyala, Jersey Lukooki, Julius Seserunkuma Ssekasanvu, Peter Lukwata, Brian Bisaso, Salim Blanden Twaha, Micheal Natima and Reagan Kyanda.
The National Task force Covid-19 was represented by Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut.
The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo briefing the media after handing over the food items at Prime Minister’s office in Kampala.
