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 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.
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.
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.
Brazil goals: Rodrigo (3), Bruno Xavier, Genovali OG, Brendo Italy goals: Fazzini (2), Genovali (2) Player of the Match: Rodrigo
Photo credit: FIFA
Brazil dazzled in a 6-4 win over Italy in the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup final on Sunday, with Rodrigo delivering a breathtaking display.
The phenomenal Rodrigo propelled Brazil to a comeback victory over Italy in the UAE 2024 Dubai final. The sport’s recently-crowned Best Men’s Player hit a hat-trick, produced some mind-blowing moves, including an elastic pass, and was responsible for Leandro Casapieri’s red card.
The result made the Seleção of the sand the first six-time world champions in beach soccer, futsal or football. It wasn’t all plain sailing for Marco Octavio’s men. Gianmarco Genovali’s cushioned volley gave Italy the lead, and Casapieri preserved it with an awe-inspiring denial of Rodrigo.
Brazil goalkeeper Bobo pulled off a stunning stop of his own, before Catarino and Mauricinho combined excellently to set up Rodrigo for the equalizer. Midway through the second period, the alert Rodrigo capitalized upon a weak back-pass and rounded Casapieri, who felled the Brazil No9 and was sent off.
His replacement Andrea Carpita made two fine saves, and Josep Jr somehow hooked the ball off the line, before the South Americans made their numerical advantage count through a Rodrigo bicycle kick.
The never-say-die attitude of Italy showed itself once again, though, with Tommaso Fazzini equalising. Thereafter, however, Brazil were simply too hot to handle. Bruno Xavier’s glorious goal, Brendo’s spectacular effort and Rodrigo’s third of the game powered them to an unforgettable victory.
Information from fifa.com was used in this report.
Nine teams take to the pitch this Sunday for match day four of the FUFA beach soccer league at FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena in Njeru.
Mutoola Vs KJT
Mutoola BSC kicks off the action against Kampala Junior Team (KJT) at 11am. Both sides have largely been unconvincing if their showings on the pitch are to go by but despite being short of fluidity they were known for the past season, the Sand Giants remain one of the unbeaten sides so far. It is three wins and a draw for them in four games, sitting in the fourth place with 10 points – same as Buganda Royal and St. Lawrence who lie third and second in that order, and just two points behind leaders Kampala City.
KJT were aggressive and energetic in their first campaign as they made the big sides sweat blood, however, it is fairly enough to say they have been silent and yet to make their presence felt this season. With just one win in three rounds for them, they can only be good enough for the sixth position on the table with three points. They might be determined to get more points on the board but they will require some bit of a magic to overcome Mutoola.
Kampala City Vs MS Sand Lions
Kampala City will be rallying their troops to break down the stubborn MS Sand Lions at 12pm. Their life under Ivan Kulika continues to deliver a feel good factor. They have swept aside opponents without putting in an effort, garnering four wins in as many games to comfortably swing their legs from the top with 12 points.
But MS Sand Lions is desperate to regain a place in the first four, and many times if they don’t win, at least they refuse to be beaten. No team has drawn more than the Tiimi Y’ekibuga’s two stalemates this term. They frustrated Mutoola and Buganda Royal the last time out and will arrive in Njeru hoping to challenge the early pace setters for the three points.
St Lawrence BSC Vs Mengo Hill
St. Lawrence will fancy their chances against a Mengo Hill side that has lost all its four matches and conceded the highest number of goals (33). The defending champions were superbly held to a 5-5 draw by Kiringente the previous outing and slightly fell off from the top of the tree, but may find this tie a walk in the park given the hefty gulf in quality and experience which exists between the two teams. Therefore a fourth win will be a welcome sight as the race for the top spots starts to take ground.
Wolves Vs Kiringente
Kiringente is one of the three teams still looking to pick up their first league win but face Wolves who are equally in the same struggle. Kiringente is on the other hand expected to come out of this out of form bout with maximum points having shown improvement in their five all stalemate against St. Lawrence.
Sunday’s action will conclude with Grace Church playing MS Sand Lions, St. Lawrence will also step in the sand again against KJT, while Wolves will draw the curtains down with Mengo Hill at 5pm.
Ref Kennedy Kawagga (left) receiving his equipments from the FUFA president
Four FIFA certified beach soccer referees have received their badges and equipments for the year of 2024.
The approved referees included; Ivan Kintu Bayige, Muhammad Ssenteza, Kennedy Bazirio Kawagga and Joel Chote Munyendoh.
These were awarded badges at the function presided over by FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo at FUFA Complex in Mengo, Kampala on Tuesday 30th January.
Bayige and Ssenteza have been at the FIFA standard since 2015, Kawagga received his first FIFA listing in 2019 while Munyendoh received his first international badge in 2022.
Uganda’s premier beach soccer league is set to resume this Sunday, the 14th of January, with Mutoola BSC and Kiringente serving the first match to be played at FUFA technical centre since the torrential rains put the league on hold in late November.
Wolves, still in search for their first season’s win, will play Kampala City who is riding high at the top of the pile after one outing.
The likely intense match between St. Lawrence University and MS Sand Lions will spring in next before the Mengo derby between Mengo Hill and Buganda Royal takes center stage.
Kiringente, in their second engagement on the day, will test Kampala City as Wolves pray for mercy against St. Lawrence.
Sunday’s action concludes with MS Sand Lions taking on Kampala Junior Team (KJT) at 5pm.
Kampala City has three points, same as St. Lawrence, MS Sand Lions, Buganda Royal, KJT and Mutoola but they lead the table because of a superior goal difference of 12.
Five fixtures have been scheduled for this weekend in the FUFA beach soccer league, with MS Sand Lions going head to head with St. Lawrence University in the Sunday action at FUFA technical centre in Njeru.
This match is shaping up to be the biggest highlight of match day two. St. Lawrence University is the only side to have won the league in the past four seasons and fully justified their perennial favorites tag with a 12-3 win over Grace Church at the start of the season.
MS Sand Lions made the play offs last term and opened this campaign with a huge 9-0 victory over rookies Mengo Hill. They must however be worried of facing the Saints this early and Coach Jamir Ssemwogerere has to put in plenty of effective tactics if they are to get any chance against Davis Nnono’s juggernaut.
Current table standings
Ivan Kulika’s Kampala City will be looking to continue their fine start when they play Buganda Royal in their second game. Kampala City kicked off their season last week with a dominant 13-1 win over Grace Church.
Buganda Royal BSC however earned three points and three goals without cutting sweat after Kiringente failed to appear for their fixture.
Mutoola BSC will also search for their second win when they take on Kiringente. They labored and left it late to record a 5-4 victory over Wolves last time out.
The other games will see Kampala Junior Team (KJT) play Mengo Hill, while Kampala City will feature in their second game of the day against the unpredictable Wolves.
Paul Lule’s master class, Isaac Ishioke’s heroics, Yusuf Joloba’s hattrick and of course Wolve’s spirited showings were the eye catching moments of the opening weekend of the FUFA Beach Soccer League at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
Paul Lule (with the ball) briefly featured for Buganda Royal last season, he’s now at Kampala City
St. Lawrence University began their title defense on a high, defeating a depleted and exhausted Grace Church 12-3 but their victory wasn’t the only thrashing of the weekend as we saw big wins on the first Sunday of what should be another thrilling season.
Before the Saints’ gulf in squad depth and quality was exhibited, newbies Kampala City had announced themselves on the scene in the opening match of the campaign with a 13-1 whipping of the Church boys. In contrast with Kampala City, Mengo Hill BSC, another rookie in the competition, were beaten 9-0 by MS Sand Lions.
Grace Church 1-13 Kampala City
The name Kampala City may sound new to the ear but the players representing the club have been around for a while. Veterans like Paul Lule, Swaibu Kakwaya and Douglas Muganga are proudly kicking the ball for the club, while most of the guns at former league club – Jinja Lions are also part of the team nicknamed Ab’emikwano.
With just three minutes into the game, Kampala City assumed the lead through Shaka Ssozi when he scored a penalty following a foul on him in the box. Paul Lule and Kakwaya stretched the advantage to 3-0 up in the first period.
Swaibu Kakwaya, previously at MUBS, is now at Kampala City
Allan Isabirye pulled one back for Grace Church in the second, not knowing what will befall them going forward.
Lule tallied seven goals by the end of the game that had Douglas Muganga walk home with a brace. Ronald Ssekimpi and Herbert Onyango also scored as the new boys won 13-1 to ascend to the top of the table.
Wolves 4-5 Mutoola BSC
Wolves came close to scrapping a point from this thriller but Simon Peter Kijjo scored a last minute goal to win it all for Mutoola on a dramatic afternoon in Njeru.
Kijjo had opened the scores for his side whose lead was soon doubled by Paul Nsenge heading into the first break.
Wolves, led by veteran Baptist Male, returned a charged side – topping the second period with two goals to one but remained behind in the game by a goal though. Farouk Kawuma and Muhamoud Ssozzi netted the goals for them while Musa Ssali ensured Mutoola remained in control of the match.
Wolves BSC
The third period was the most dramatic of all; Farouk Kawuma leveled the matters with a well taken strike before Kijjo restored the lead for his team. Kawuma unleashed his poaching prowess again with another equalizer as Wolves threatened to win the game themselves, and Mutoola only got a sigh of relief after Kijjo poked in the winner one second to the end of the game.
St. Lawrence University 12- 3 Grace Church
St Lawrence started their title defense with a 12-3 win over a hapless Grace Church and had plenty to experiment as Coach Peter Sseguya reserved most of his experienced players, giving the new ones chance to show their abilities.
Nigerian import Isaac Ishioke scored five. The other seven goals came from Ronald Magwali, Rica Byaruhanga, Baker Lukooya, Sharif Lubega, Emmanuel Wasswa, George Kaddu and an own goal from Steven Kitumba.
Ronald Magwali (shirt 9) embrace Rica Byaruhanga after scoring last season
Grace Church responded through Derrick Kato and Kenneth Mugabi, while they also benefited from an own goal when goalkeeper Sulaiman Ssentongo made contact with the ball from a long throw in.
Mengo Hill 0-9 MS Sand Lions
MS Sand Lions gave Mengo Hill a nightmarish welcome to the game with a thorough 9-0 beating in the last action of the day.
Yusuf Joloba grabbed a hat-trick, Abbey Kavuma and Emmanuel Matovu scored a brace each while Rogers Zikulibya and Yinusa Mufutau also registered their names on the score sheet to seal the win.
Kampala City is currently leading the pile. Followed closely by St. Lawrence and Ms Sand Lions, all with three points.
FUFA beach soccer league continues next Sunday 26th November 2023 at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru. The fixtures will be released as soon as possible.
