Capacity Building: 40 Successfully Complete FAMACO1 Course

Forty participants have achieved a significant milestone in their lives by earning qualifications in football management following their successful completion of the Football Administration and Management Course Level One (FAMACO1) on Wednesday.

Former Uganda Cranes forward – Brian Umony (in T-shirt) receiving his certificate from FUFA deputy CEO Decolas Kiiza

Most notable among the graduates at Multitech Business School were two former Uganda Cranes players – Brian Umony and Yasser Mugerwa.

Veteran sports journalists – Lean Ssenyange, Pius Serugo, Peter Tabu, Marble Kebirungi, and Philip Mugabi also successfully completed the three days course and smiled on their way home with honours.

NTV’s Mable Kebirungi (centre) was among the two ladies who completed the course.

Current Sand Cranes players – Baker Lukooya, Allan Katwe, Musa Ssali Kiwanuka and George Stephen Omiat were also part of the class, highlighting the growing importance of planning for life beyond the pitch.

Sand Cranes magician Baker Lukooya (with goggles) is now a certified football manager

The training was insightful and informative for the participants who now have a much improved and positive approach to the game.

Proficient instructors – Ronnie Kalema, Decolas Kiiza and Yusuf Awuye conducted the course, and the trio took the participants through a host of modules including; introduction to football structures, football human resource, football competitions, football fans and importance, football communication, football statutes, football regulations and importance, football protection and match organisation, among others.

Deputy chief executive officer in charge of football at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) – Decolas Kiiza presided over the closing function of the course, and awarded the duly trained football managers with certificates.

The course was organized by the Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) in conjunction with FUFA.

List of graduates:

Lukwago Phillip, Magembe Trava, Katongole Isa, Birungi Alfunsi, Mukasa Nathan Mayega, Baluku Owen, Tumwesigye Enock, Mugabi Phillip, Kebirungi Marble, Amanya Mark, Mustafa Nanfumba, Olobo Paul, Serugo Pius, Edwok Julius, Tumwesigye Graham, Oryem Morris, Kapampa Eddie, Nandala James, Serebe Ismail, Omony Brian, Tabu Peter, Leon Ssenyange, Nshabomwe Isiah, Bakunda Julius, Walusimbi Solomon, Mukwaya Brian, Ssempala Moses, Mukisa Hope James, Bunoga Baker Emmanuel, Kisembo Innocent, Mibulo Juma, Nabbanja Aisha, Joel Sewankambo, Omiat George Stephen, Kayemba Abbas, Lukooya Baker, Yasser Mugerwa, Kafulu Francis, Allan Katwe, Ssali Musa Kiwanuka.

St. Lawrence Beats Kampala City To Win Sixth League Title

St. Lawrence University’s juggernaut continued on Sunday as they successfully defended their title at the FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena in Njeru.

The Saints defeated Kampala City 4-3 in the final to win their fifth consecutive crown but sixth in total following triumphs in 2014, 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

A brace from Baker Lukooya, and strikes from Brian Nkuubi and Joshua Letti Lubwama sealed the title for St. Lawrence.

Lukooya opened the scoring for the Saints just seconds into the first period. Before even the dust settled, the crafty forward doubled the advantage for his side to throw Kampala City into a valley of no return. Brian Nkuubi then made it 3-0 for St. Lawrence before the first break.

Brian Nkuubi steering away from his marker

Kampala City waited the second period to wake up from their slumber. Their talisman Paul Lule found the breakthrough for the Ivan Kulika coached side as he scored a brace to reduce the deficit but they allowed Lubwama to arrow in the fourth goal for St. Lawrence which proved to be the match winner.

The Ab’emikwano looked like they would plot a comeback when Ambrose Kigozi struck to put the scores at 4-3 during the second period but it was merely false hope. Despite raising the tempo of their game and putting St. Lawrence on the edge as the game progressed, the third period produced no goal to force Kampala City settle for the silver medals.

Kampala City won silver after finishing second

Enroute to final, St Lawrence outclassed Buganda Royal 5-1 while Kampala City defeated Mutoola 6-4 at the semi-final phase.

Mutoola won the bronze medals, after beating Buganda Royal 5-3 in the third place play-off whilst their star player Steven Nyalimo was named the competition’s most valuable player (MVP).

Mutoola finished third

Edward Kasibante of Buganda Royal received the best goalkeeper award as MS Sand Lions were the fair play team.

St. Lawrence’s Davis Nono was the best coach of the season but Kampala City’s Paul Lule was the top scorer with 47 goals.

MVP Steven Nyalimo (right) receiving his award from chairman UBSA – Deo Mutabazi

Individual Awards

MVP – Steven Nyalimo (Mutoola)

Top scorer – Paul Lule (Kampala City)

Best goalkeeper – Edward Kasibante (Buganda Royal)

Best Coach – Davis Nono (St. Lawrence)

Fair Play Team – MS Sand Lions

 

Uganda Draw Tanzania In Beach Soccer AFCON 2024 Qualifiers

Uganda (Sand Cranes) will play Tanzania in the qualifiers of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers.

Sand Cranes players celebrate after scoring against Tanzania in Cosafa Cup

The first leg of the East African derby will be played between 19th and 21st July in Tanzania, while the return leg will take place between 26th and 28th July 2024 in Uganda, according to the draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday in Cairo.

The winner over the two legs will qualify for the Beach Soccer AFCON finals to be played later this year in Egypt.

Sand Cranes’ Baker Lukooya (in yellow) against Tanzania in Cosafa Cup

Fourteen teams including; Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Guinea, Angola, Ghana, Mauritania, Tanzania, Uganda, Seychelles, Mozambique, Burundi, Malawi and Ivory Coast will battle through the qualifiers for the seven places available.

After winning their respective doubleheaders, the seven qualified teams will join Egypt who qualified automatically as hosts.

Currently sixth in Africa and 50th in the world – according to Beach Soccer World Wide rankings, Uganda will be hoping to make it to the continent’s biggest beach soccer showpiece for the third time, after featuring in the 2021 and 2022 editions in Senegal and Mozambique respectively.

Sand Cranes celebrate after qualifying for BS AFCON 2022

During the tournament in Senegal, the Sand Cranes finished fourth after losing to Mozambique in the semi-final, and Morocco in the third place play-off. They then finished 5th in the Beach Soccer AFCON 2022 as they defeated Malawi 4-1 on penalties following a six all draw after extra time in the 5th place play-off.

Senegal are the defending champions.

Full draw:

Tanzania Vs Uganda

Guinea Vs Senegal

Angola Vs Morocco

Ghana Vs Ivory Coast

Mauritania Vs Nigeria

Seychelles Vs Mozambique

Burundi Vss Malawi

Kampala City In Massive Duels With Play-off Hopefuls Mutoola And Buganda Royal

There are just four rounds of fixtures left to end the regular season of the FUFA Beach Soccer League 2023/24. Defending champions St. Lawrence University have already qualified for the championship play-offs, and newbies Kampala City can join them this weekend if they win their two games on Sunday.

SLAU are out of action this weekend but Kampala City meet in massive bouts with play-off hopefuls – Mutoola and Buganda Royal at FUFA technical centre in Njeru. Kampala’s recent showings have been unconvincing but Ivan Kulika’s men walloped a hapless and depleted Kiringente side 24-0 before defeating KJT 6-2 last weekend.

They are now second on the log having played 14 matches so far, counting 36 points, eight behind leaders St. Lawrence who have played two games more.

Therefore, success in their games on Sunday will throw the contest for the top spot widely open.

As St. Lawrence and Kampala City vie for supremacy at the top, the race for the remaining two play-off slots is heating up amongst Mutoola, MS Sand Lions and Buganda Royal. All find themselves in a must win situation to stand a chance of stepping into the elite class although the three can’t all qualify.

The trio have blown hot and cold this season, and stand in positions – three, four and five on the table respectively.

After playing Kampala City, Mutoola meet KJT next while Buganda Royal will face off with Grace Church before entering the big game against Kampala.

MS Sand Lions play Wolves and Kiringente.

Full fixtures

Sunday 2nd June 2024

 

 

 

Mutoola Dethrone St. Lawrence In Muwanguzi Cup

Mutoola Beach Soccer Club won its first ever silverware in the game of beach soccer after winning the fourth edition of the Muwanguzi beach soccer tournament on Sunday. The Sand Giants took on St. Lawrence University in the final that ended 3-1 at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.

The win also marks the first time a team other than Stormers and St. Lawrence won the competition.

Mutoola, who had survived by just whisker in the semifinal against the off color Kampala City and had also come short at St. Lawrence in the group stage, threatened first as they approached the game with energy and physique, swarming opponents like bees until they took the lead through the crafty Steven Nyalimo.

Mutoola’s Swaibu Kakwaya shielding the ball

St. Lawrence equally responded with the same tactics and hard tackling became a component of the game. The approach totally didn’t work for the two time winners however, with one of their dependables – Rica Byaruhanga getting forced out of the game with what looked a serious injury before the second period ended.

Mutoola remained on the front foot while their coach Jamal Salim Muwonge covered every particle of the sand in the technical area as he issued instructions to his men from time to time.

As a result, Paul Nsenge stretched his team’s lead with a fine finish and the Sand Giants went into the second break 2-0 up.

The contest became end to end midway the third period especially after Morris Luyima pulled one back for St. Lawrence who were desperate to drag the game to level terms.

Meanwhile, Mutoola had laid their traps well. They majestically foiled every attack from the Saints before Nyalimo watered down St. Lawrence’s hope of any potential comeback with a third goal for his team to seal the crown.

Mutoola’s sqaud

Before the final, Mutoola had engaged in a high tempo semifinal against Kampala City and required Swaibu Kakwaya’s magic to win the game 6-5.  Kampala City took the lead through Ashiraf Mugumira and the forward added another goal to give his side a 2-0 lead.

However their 2-0 advantage in the first period turned false hope when Mutoola bounced with a full throttle approach after the break to throw Kampala to the trash can.

Swaibu Kakwaya came of age and ran from corner to corner, and scored a hat-trick, Steven Nyalimo grabbed a brace while Paul Nsenge completed the comeback with a winner.

Sharif Opuuli also scored a brace for Kampala City while Paul Lule also made it to the score sheet for his side but their goals were just mere consolations.

In the other semifinal, St. Lawrence outclassed Buganda Royal 6-2. Sulaiman Ochero (3), Ronald Magwali, Isaac Eshioke, and Rica Byaruhanga scored for the Saints. Buganda Royal’s two goals came through Jonathan Ddembe and James Namuyimba.

Kampala City beat Buganda Royal 7-4 in the third place play-off to win position number three.

Kampala City finished 3rd

Individual Awards

Mutoola also dominated even in the individual awards. Star man Steven Nyalimo was picked as the most valuable player (MVP), Salim Jamal Muwonge walked home with the best coach award while Siraje Masembe was the best goalkeeper.

The fair play award was won by Buganda Royal, Paul Lule of Kampala City took the top scorers award with eight goals.

MVP – Steven Nyalimo

Group stage results

The tournament was graced by six teams. Swans Sports Club was the only non-league side that honored the competition and at least went home with a goal scored by Habibu Zife against Buganda Royal. The teams were pooled in two groups – Nile and Katonga.

Kampala City, Buganda Royal and Swans competed in the Nile group. The Katonga group had Mutoola, Mengo Hill and St. Lawrence.

Swaga time: Swans players and officials enjoying a photo moment with the trophy

Below is how they performed at the group stage.

Mengo Hill 3-11 St Lawrence

Mutoola 4-3 Mengo Hill

Swans Sports Club 0-6 Kampala City

Kampala City 5-2 Buganda Royal

Mutoola 0-2 St. Lawrence

Buganda Royal 2-1 Swans Sports Club

Muwanguzi Cup Draws Held, Fixtures Released

The long wait is over. After four years of absence, Muwanguzi memorial beach soccer tournament is finally back as it is just hours to kick-off and we are already into the business of the competition.

Seven teams registered for this year’s edition – with big names like St. Lawrence University, Mutoola, Kampala City and Buganda Royal being part of the bunch. It will however be interesting to see the two non-league sides Swans Sports Club and Buliisa Sand Dragons hit the sand at FUFA technical centre in Njeru. St. Lawrence are the record winners with two crowns.

FUFA Technical Centre Beach Soccer Arena is set

The draw for the group stage took place on Friday May 10, 2024 at the Uganda Beach Soccer Association offices in Mengo where the seven teams learned who they will meet when the competition makes a comeback on Sunday.

Holders St. Lawrence was pitted against rivals Mutoola in the Katonga group that also includes Mengo Hill and Buliisa Sand Dragons.

Kampala City meet Buganda Royal, Swans Sports Club completes this three team Nile group. Matches are scheduled to start at 9am.

Muwanguzi beach soccer tournament was started in 2017 and the past winners are – Stormers BSC (2017) and St. Lawrence (2018 and 2019).

Full draw

Fixtures

Semi finals and final

Muwanguzi Cup Set For a Blockbuster Show As 12 Teams Are Confirmed

It is eight (8) days to the Muwanguzi beach soccer tournament but we are already sniffing the aura and excitement it is going to deliver.

The tournament has a reputation for being competitive and entertaining due to the relatively level playing field among its competitors.

This year, the fourth edition of the competition is going to be fierce.

Of the twelve (12) teams set to feature on 12th May at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, only two are non-league sides.

In fact, only Swans Sports Club from Entebbe and Buliisa Sand Dragons BSC from Buliisa district are the outsiders but the rest are plying trade in the FUFA beach soccer league.

St. Lawrence BSC are the current cup holders, and given the fact that they have dominated the league for the last four seasons, other clubs see Muwanguzi as a viable option to win a silverware. This means teams give their all in the quest for glory.

List of teams:

Kampala City, St. Lawrence University, Buganda Royal Institute, Kampala Junior Team (KJT), Wolves, Mutoola, Grace Church, MS Sand Lions, Kiringente, Mengo Hill, Swans Sports Club and Buliisa Sand Dragons.

Muwanguzi Beach Soccer Tournament Returns After a Four Year Hiatus

Muwanguzi Memorial Beach Soccer Tournament is back this year following a four-year lull. The fourth edition was confirmed in a stakeholders meeting recently and will be played on Sunday 14th April and Sunday 12th May 2024 at FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena in Njeru. The last edition of the tournament was held in 2019.

It was started in 2017 and St. Lawrence University are the record winners with two titles having won the previous two editions of the showpiece in 2018 and 2019. Stormers BSC were the inaugural winners in 2017.

The competition is the main beach soccer cup tournament in Uganda and open to even non-league teams. It was named Muwanguzi memorial beach soccer tournament in memory of the late Samson Muwanguzi, one of the founders of the game of beach soccer in the country.

Previous winners

2017 – Stormers Beach Soccer Club

2018 – St. Lawrence University

2019 – St. Lawrence University

2020 – Not Played

2021 – Not Played

2022 – Not Played

2023 – Not Played

2024 – ??

FBSL: Fierce Battles To Highlight End Of First Round

Beach soccer enthusiasts are in for a thrilling Sunday featuring headline duels involving Kampala City, Mutoola, Buganda Royal and defending champions St. Lawrence University. With Kampala City’s latest triumph over Buganda Royal setting the stage, St. Lawrence’s quest to trim the Ab’emikwano’s lead sees them facing off in a block buster clash this Sunday at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.

Having missed the previous two outings, St. Lawrence, who are also the record league champions with five titles, will dominate the outing in terms of appearances as they also have to play their rescheduled matches against eternal rivals Buganda Royal and Mutoola, with all the ties having more than just bragging rights at stake.

Clash of the Titans: Kampala City Vs St. Lawrence

A tactical chess match awaits as Ivan Kulika’s men aim to protect their perfect winning record in the league. Kampala City may be rookies here but have started their maiden season with a bang.

Boasting with seasoned men on the sand, including former and current national team players – Douglas Muganga, Paul Lule, Paul Kato, Shaka Ssozi and the gigantic Nicholas Mwere, they remain the only side yet to drop a point this term as they have collected a maximum of 24 points from the eight games played to sit on top of the pile.

Davis Nnono’s St. Lawrence must shore up their ranks to withstand Kampala’s onslaught. The Ab’emikwano have a strong attacking nerve and their attacking fire power can demolish any defense. SLAU’s response will hinge on a disciplined defensive strategy to thwart Kampala City’s potent attack, and also hope that their marksmen Baker Lukooya, Brian Nkuubi and Ronald Magwali hit the net at the opposite end.

Buganda Royal Vs St. Lawrence

It’s the battle that will open the promising outing packed with beach soccer drama. Buganda Royal will look to extend their impressive run of form. The Abambowa, fuelled by recent victories, are eager to solidify their claim for a top four place but must be at their best or should even seek divine intervention to quieten a star decorated SLAU. The reigning champions, with their eyes on the top spot, are expected to display their might against this youthful side that has defied expectations so far.

St. Lawrence Vs Mutoola

FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena will buzz again as Mutoola flex muscles with the Saints in a sparkling encounter.

Mutoola, struggling to find their footing this season, face a must—win scenario to maintain their chase for a top four status. Ensnared in arguably a perilous form, they find themselves at crossroads where every point could be the difference between a top four spot and despair even though it’s still early. They need to win this one to rekindle their hope and confidence.

Rounding off the day, MS Sand Lions will play Wolves; Mutoola will be against Grace Church while Buganda Royal will close their first round business against Wolves.

Full Fixtures

Toothless Mutoola Hits New Low As Kiringente Get Off The Mark

Far from their former selves, Mutoola BSC produced yet another horrible show, this time retreating home with the heads in their hands after losing two vital games on Sunday.

A season in which they have already been shy of their known high standards but scrapping unconvincing wins against nerveless opponents, Mutoola plumbed new depths as they miserably slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Kampala City and a 2-1 loss against Buganda Royal at FUFA technical centre in Njeru. It condemned the Sand Giants to their first defeats this campaign, they had never lost a game before Sunday albeit nearly being awful in the previous outings.

Although Steven Nyalimo scored for them, Paul Lule’s double and a goal each from Fredrick Ngalo and Paul Kato for Kampala City set the Sand Giants’ whipping session in motion, which opened the door for Buganda Royal to also have Salim Muwonge’s men for a meal.

It looked like a fluke when Solomon Zziwa drove Buganda Royal infront in the second period because by this time, Mutoola had missed chance after chance and had been favorites to find the first goal in the game before Zziwa shook the table.

Simon Peter Kijjo finally found his scoring feet when he scored the equalizer for his side, and a sigh of relief reigned in the dugout.

And as the game progressed, both teams looked contented to walk home with a point each. However, Mutoola’s hearts would be torn into pieces in the closing minutes of the game. Solomon Zziwa who had thrown the first jab, showed up again with the winner for Buganda Royal with just five seconds left on the clock to leave Mutoola wailing.

Kampala City reigned supreme in their second game as well, beating Kampala Junior Team (KJT) 5-3 to go back to the top of the tree with 21 points after seven games. Paul Kato struck a brace as Paul Lule, Ambrose Kigozi and Hussein Ssajjabbi scored to rescue their side from the claws of a hard fighting KJT. Jordan Ajuna (2) and Ashiraf Mugumira netted for the latter.

KJT however compensated the loss with a 6-1 win over strugglers Grace Church, their second victory of the season. Ashiraf Mugumira was the tormentor in chief, he scored four goals. Jordan Ajuna grabbed a brace while Jonah Munaai scored for Grace Church the only goal they managed in the game.

The happiest on the day were perhaps Kiringente who climbed from the base of the table to the sixth place following the 4-3 and 6-1wins against Mengo Hill and Grace Church respectively. Junior Kagezi scored a combined five goals, with a hat-trick coming in his team’s slim triumph over Mengo Hill. Marvin Mugerwa who scored three goals across the games had two against the church boys. The 6-1victory was then sealed by Hamuza Ssenoga’s strike and an own goal from Jonah Munaai.

Full  results