Category: Sand cranes

Beach soccer is gaining traction gradually but steadily in Uganda. The game is becoming famous in schools, tertiary institutions, Universities and communities in the central, Eastern and western parts of the country.

However, its fame is arguably still incomparable to that of football and it requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to bring it to the fore.

The western region youth football coordinator – Ronald Alonso Nuwasiima, who is also the chief executive officer of Lions sports club, is undergoing training in football administration and management organized by Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA), the body mandated to run the game of beach soccer in Uganda.

Nuwasiima took his time off to applaud the association for the fantastic job done in developing the sport and also encouraged sports lovers to embrace the game.

“People should take the initiative to know what beach soccer is. The biggest percentage of people in Uganda knows football and other games but beach soccer is one of the best games that of which the organizers and the leaders are trying to put at the national level. We should all embrace it,” he said.

Football Administration and Management Course level one (FAMACO1) organized by the Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) is ongoing at the FUFA SIG offices in Mengo. It started on Monday, and class one will run for three days until Wednesday.

The course attracted participants from different parts of the country and at different levels of management in the game. Uganda premier league club – SC Villa is well represented in the course with about twelve ambassadors, five of whom are part of the secretariat of the sixteen time league champions. The Jogoos band is comprised of the club chief executive officer Nkemba William, ex international Geofrey Buhokore, Mutejaz Suleman, Ali Kayongo and Akullo Olive.

Akullo, who is also part of the club’s marketing and communication department, is excited their team will reap the best rewards after acquiring the unmatched knowledge and she is confident SC Villa will move among the best run clubs in the country.

“I am very happy that SC Villa has about five officials, from the administration – starting with the club CEO to the rest of us who are down here. We also have leaders of fans here and SC Villa is well represented,” she said.

“We believe that our club is going to do way much better right from our leadership to the fans. Everybody out there, and is in the leadership and interested in football, I would like to encourage you to come and do FAMACO. It will help you, you will grow, and you will become better and even the petty complaints that we have will be wiped away because we shall be understanding football.”

She and some of her colleagues have been working at the club without any football education and she is glad they are getting fine tuned to the levels suitable for running modern football.

“I feel privileged to be in this class of FAMACO1 organized by UBSA. It’s such a privilege because I have been working in the club without this kind of knowledge I am receiving today. So I am excited that I and my fellow participants are being equipped in football administration and management. We are getting polished.”

Now with the world class and the modern knowledge she is getting, Akullo is hopeful one day she will defy the odds and work with the world football governing body – FIFA.

“I see myself growing in football administration and I want to look at the business aspect of the game very seriously. So for me, I really hope that I am going to join FAMACOII immediately and pursue that and learn. Actually, I see myself at FIFA one day I think.”

SC Villa were on the cusp of winning their 17^th league title the past season but capsized at the last minute when they lost to URA FC on the final day of the campaign, finishing a distant third on the table despite going into the last action of the season as leaders. They also finished fourth in the FUFA super eight 2023 edition concluded on Sunday.

Football Administration and Management Course

Class One: Sept. 4^th – Sept.6^th, 2023

Venue: FUFA SIG Office, Mengo

FAMACO1, organized by Uganda Beach Soccer Association in conjunction with FUFA, has kicked off on Monday with 40 participants, including SC Villa chief executive officer Nkemba William and Lady Doves’ duo of Nyandera Lydia and Nantongo Diana taking part.

The course is taking place at FUFA SIG offices in Mengo.

It is part of the football programs that introduces management concepts and mechanisms to design, run and implement football activities in the modern world.

Some of the themes the participants will be taken through include; FUFA and its development programs and trends, international football structures, introduction to football statutes, regulations and importance, introduction to football human resource and football competitions.

Other topics are; introduction to football protection, football facilities and equipment, football fans and importance, flow of football communication and football income and expenditures, among others.

Successful participants at the end of the course will be rewarded with certificates.

The course facilitators are; Ronnie Kalema, Kiiza Decolas, Bernard Bainamani and Mwebe Ali.

List of participants.

Kayongo Ali, Kivumbi Hakim, Buhokore Geofrey, Ssenyange Kasimu, Nantongo Diana, Nyandera Lydia, Mutajazi Suleman, Omara Mark Ochen, Magumba Samuel, Nkemba William, Byakika Mike, Rudasingwa Geofrey, Bihibingi Muzamil, Ayesigamuka Philips, Nsereko Shafic,Kivumbi Bashir, Nabadda Harriet, Mukwano Titus, Aliau Emmanuel, Lukonge Zaake, Timothy Namanya, Taabu Hassan, Balikuddembe Raymond, Natukwasa Asiat, Ssebunnya Fred, Okwir Emmanuel, Dongo Musitafa, Ronald Alonso Nuwasiima, Kizito Sulaiman, Nsimbi Hamza Olive Akullo, Kabaganda Nabukenya Naume, Kalyango Ali, Hitlar Willy,Ocan David Kizito.

Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) to hold its 11^th Ordinary General Assembly this Saturday 2nd September 2023 at Buganda Royal Institute in Kampala.

Buganda Royal Institute Beach Soccer Club is hosting the Association’s Annual General Meeting for the second year running and the 44 UBSA delegates will convene for assembly business starting 8am.

The Assembly will be chaired by the UBSA chairman and will also see the executive members deliberate on matters of the new season and also provide an account of the immediate past campaign.

This is the second time UBSA members are getting the chance to host the assembly. The UBSA executive approved this and it is intended to empower members.

The 44 delegates come from the ordinary members of UBSA. They include;

FUFA Beach Soccer League Clubs

FUFA Women Beach Soccer League Clubs

UBSA Lower Leagues Clubs

UBSA Referees

UBSA Players

UBSA Youths

UBSA Coaches

UBSA Schools

UBSA Universities

The Association held its first general assembly in 2013.

Mutoola beach soccer club is set to play at the World Winners’ Cup due next month in Italy. The Mukono side will lay its name in the beach soccer folklore as the first Ugandan club to play at the world stage.

They were pooled in group G alongside Blue Eagles of Malawi, Al-Masafi from Iraq and Senegal’s MBAO Beach Envi in the draw conducted on Wednesday.

Mutoola may not be among the most successful teams in Uganda but have recently shown strong ambition to succeed. They finished third last season behind Jinja Lions and St. Lawrence University.

JKT Tanzania from neighbors Tanzania is the other side from the CECAFA zone set to represent the region at the tournament.

The competition, that is open to all beach soccer clubs across the world, kicks off on 26^th September and it is expected to end on 1^st October in Alghero, Italy.

It attracted a total of 32 teams but only six are from Africa. German club – Real Munster are the defending champions.

Brief about World Winners’ Cup

This tournament is organized by beach soccer world wide and it is open to all beach soccer clubs (for both men and women) all over the world. It had its first edition in 2019 in Alanya, Turkey, where Flamengo from Brazil lifted the trophy for men while Italian club –  Pavia won the women’s silverware.

Real Munster won the second edition that was held in Cagliari, Italy last year. For the first time in this competition, the winner of the third edition will walk home with prize money that is yet to be established.

Mukono Kings High School was so good with a breath taking and chance taking display of beach soccer in the girls’ games. After losing the first game, the girls from Mukono on Thursday roared out full throttle to plunge their opponents into total chaos.

It was not one, two, three or ten goals past The Academy St. Lawrence, but twenty (20) goals for Mukono Kings without a response – not even a slight one. Aidha Namuwonge, Zubeda Chandiru, James Concy Elmani scored six, four and four in that order. Sarah Birungi, Precious Moriku and Doreen Nantume contributed the other six goals.

St. Lawrence Citizens High School – Cream Land Campus were the next in line, and just like The Academy, they also suffered at the hands of Mukono Kings High School, and similarly fell to a 20-0 gruesome defeat.

This time, Kulusum Nakato was the tormentor in chief, tucking in nine goals alone. Aidha Namuwonge could not afford missing the feast. She struck four as Zubedah Chandiru and James Concy Elmani scored hat tricks. Sarah Nakyanzi closed the flood gates with a fine strike to take the count to 20-0 up.

It was indeed an outing of thrashing. Shamma High School took St. Lawrence Citizens High School- Horizon Campus to school with a 16-1 beating.

Peace Muduwa produced a master class performance with ten goals, Agnes Nalunkuuma bagged five before Faith Cherop scored an own goal to compound misery on her side. Racheal Emong got Horizon Campus’ lone goal.

Standard High School Zana (STAHIZA) continued to dominate the boys’ side. Against St. Lawrence Citizens High School – Cream Land Campus, STAHIZA won 13-1.

Al Mahad Bin Umar and Syson Nasasira came out with hat tricks. Joshua Galabuzi and Bashir Kintu showed up with braces. Micheal Jinta and the rest completed the rout. Isaac Dauda was there for St. Lawrence with a consolation.

In the other matches, hosts St. Mary’s College Rushoroza won 8-5 against The Academy St. Lawrence, St. Lawrence College – Paris Palais beat St. Lawrence Citizens High School – Cream Land Campus 6-3 just in time before London College of St. Lawrence defeated St. Lawrence College – Paris Palais 5-2.

Match Day 3 Results

Beach soccer – Girls

St. Lawrence Citizens High School- Horizon Campus 1-16 Shamma High School

Mukono High School 20-0 The Academy St. Lawrence

Mukono Kings High School 20-0 St. Lawrence Citizens High School – Cream Land Campus

Boys

Standard High School 13-1 St. Lawrence Citizens High School – Cream Land Campus

St. Mary’s College Rushoroza 8-5 The Academy St. Lawrence

St. Lawrence College – Paris Palais 6-3 St. Lawrence Citizens High School – Cream Land Campus

London College of St. Lawrence 5-2 St. Lawrence College – Paris Palais

It is now six points for Standard High School Zana (STAHIZA) from two matches after beating Academy of St. Lawrence in the boys’ beach soccer games.

They won 6-2 on Wednesday to soar up the table with three points more than St. Mary’s Rushoroza in second. Dyson Nsaasira and Al Mahad Bin Umar made it 4-0 up with a brace each for their side, before Kasim Koboji and Joshua Galabuzi scored to seal the victory for STAHIZA. The Academy scored through Joseph Katongole and Churchhill Kyomuhendo.

After showing keen eyes for goals on Wednesday, Kyomuhendo and Nsaasira lead the top scorers’ chart with five goals to their names.

Although things are not going their side in the boys’ games, the girls’ team continued to give Academy of St. Lawrence pride after winning 13-1 over Cream Land of St. Lawrence to maintain a 100% record in the beach soccer games.

Daisy Akampurira struck Cream Land’s lone goal. Justine Namanya scored six; Marble Nakamyuka got four, while Melisa Namulwana scored a brace prior to Elizabeth Namaja closing the scoring fiesta for Academy of St. Lawrence who at the time of writing swings legs from the top of the pile on six points.

The games continue on Thursday, three fixtures have been arranged for the girls whilst the boys’ teams will provide four matches.

Thursday July 13, 2023

Beach Soccer Fixtures – Girls

Mukono Kings High School Vs Cream Land Campus of St. Lawrence

Horizon Campus of St. Lawrence Vs Shamma High School

Academy of St. Lawrence Vs Mukono Kings High School

Boys

Paris Praise of St. Lawrence Vs Cream Land Campus of St. Lawrence

St. Mary’s Rushoroza Vs Academy of St. Lawrence

Standard High Sch. Zana Vs Cream Land Campus of St. Lawrence

London College of St. Lawrence Vs Paris Praise of St.Lawrence.

 

Beach soccer games at the Uganda secondary schools national ball games II kicked off on Tuesday at St. Mary’s College Rushoroza beach soccer grounds in the western district of Kasese.

There are eleven schools taking part in the beach soccer games, with five competing in the girls’ category.

The Academy of St. Lawrence set the showdown rolling with a 6-1 win over St. Lawrence Horizon Campus. Melissa Namukwaya and Diana Kyabwe scored a combined four goals, each with a brace. Elizabeth Namajja and Tushabe Kirabo saw the net once to make Ruth Yeko’s goal for the Horizon campus just a mere consolation as the Academy marched to victory with ease.

Shamma High School also proved too strong for their counterparts from Mukono Kings High School. It was a 4-2 win for the girls from Mityana.

Peace Muduwa was the star of the match with two goals to her name. Tabitha Nadunga and Valeria Nalunga joined the scoring party with a goal apiece, but Aidah Namuwonge and Zubedah Chandiru struck back for the Mukono side but their efforts were just too little to overturn the game.

Hosts St. Mary’s College Rushoroza nosedived at home as they lost 6-5 to Paris Praise of St. Lawrence in the boys’ category. The latter’s goals were scored by Joshua Ogwal Otim (Hattrick), Joe Niyigaba (brace) and Wani Obuto.

Edwin Twebaze (brace), Frederick Munezero, Isaac Ainamaani and Joshua Manzi made sure the hosts put up a strong fight.

And they however won their second outing 4-1 over London College of St. Lawrence. Twebaze shone again with two goals, Munezero was also on target before Elijah Natukunda sealed the three points.

Standard High School Zzana (STAHIZA) showed they are not only good at football, but at beach soccer too. They came out 6-3 winners at London College.

Dyson Nsaasira was their hero with a hattrick, Latif Simaluulu, Griphine Kawere and Almahad Bin-Umar added a goal each for STAHIZA. London College got their goals through Henry Mugume, Samuel Nsubuga and William Lam.

Academy of St. Lawrence was the biggest winner, beating Cream Land Campus of St. Lawrence 9-4. Churchhill Kyomuhendo announced himself with four goals which were supplemented by strikes from Norman Wamimbi, Isaac Dauda, Jackson Baguma and Joseph Katongole for the Academy. Johnson Feta, Morris Ndauti Kimani, Samuel Amos Matata and Emmanuel Dhioler scored for Cream Land.

Matches will continue on Wednesday with two games in the girls’ category and a couple of fixtures in the boys’

Match Day 1 Results.

Tuesday July 11, 2023

USSSA Ball Games II 2023.

Beach Soccer – Girls

St. Lawrence Horizon Campus 1-6 Academy of St. Lawrence

Shamma High School 4-2 Mukono Kings High School

Boys

Paris Praise of St. Lawrence 6-5 St. Mary’s College Rushoroza

London College of St. Lawrence 3-6 STAHIZA

Academy of St. Lawrencce 9-4 Cream Land Campus of St. Lawrence

St. Mary’s College Rushoroza 4-1 London College of St. Lawrence.

St.  Lawrence University put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears to retain their league title on Sunday. It was not the easiest of a final and it required them to die a little to win against Jinja Lions.

With less than two minutes remaining on the clock, Ronald Magwali pounced home a strong header to seal a 3-2 win at FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena in Njeru. The game had stalled at 2-2 and looked like needing extra time to separate the sides. Jinja Lions, nicknamed the ‘The Sand Kings,’ were playing their first final.

It was St. Lawrence’s fourth league victory on the bounce but the fifth crown altogether. They are now three better than any other side, with MUBS the only side coming closest on two titles.

The contest was tight – characterized by physical battles and high energy levels from both sides. But it was the Saints who drew the first blood through Brian Nkuubi before the stylish Baker Lukooya doubled their advantage as Davis Nnono’s men went into the first break with a two goal cushion.

For Jinja Lions, it was just a game on. They produced a fine display while containing St. Lawrence’s attackers with classy defending and reduced their deficit through the versatile Herbert Onyango in the second period before Shaka Sozzi restored parity for them midway the last period.

At 2-2, the teams played with caution for some few minutes and they all rekindled their quest for a winner as the third period wore on albeit with majorly midfield action. Following a long ball into Jinja Lions’ box, Magwali leapt between two defenders to win it all for his side with a well-timed thumping header to spark wild celebrations amongst the players and the technical area.

When the final whistle went, many Saints sunk in the sand with their chins up – supposedly thanking the almighty for their deliverance from the claws of Jinja Lions.

St. Lawrence walloped MS Sand Lions 8-1 while The Sand Kings defeated Mutoola BSC 6-4 in the play offs to reach the final.

Awards:

Top scorer – Nicholas Mwere (Jinja Lions – 36 goals)

Best goalkeeper – Julius Sseguya (Jinja Lions)

Best coach – Ivan Kulika (Jinja Lions)

MVP – Brian Nkuubi (ST. Lawrence University)

Fair play team – Mutoola BSC

Team of the season (Best five)

Julius Sseguya (Goalkeeper – Jinja Lions)

Sharif Apuuli (Mutoola BSC)

Nicholas Mwere (Jinja Lions)

Baker Lukooya (ST. Lawrence University)

Brian Nkuubi (ST. Lawrence University)

Pictorial: