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.
The competitions committee has released the opening fixtures of the FUFA beach soccer league, season 2023/24.
The new season is scheduled to start on Sunday, 19th November 2023 with six matches at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru as indicated by the fixtures released on Tuesday evening.
Eleven teams will compete in the 2023-24 season, including two new sides – Mengo Hill BSC and Kampala City BSC.
Perennial contenders – St. Lawrence University, Buganda Royal, MUBS and Mutoola will again point muzzles against each other in the quest for the season’s honors. The other teams include; MS Sand Lions, Kiringente BSC, Kampala Junior Team (KJT), Grace Church and Wolves BSC.
Grace Church will get the season up and running in the opening match against newbies Kampala City at 11am.
Super four beach soccer tourney finalists Mutoola will follow up at 12pm against Wolves before Buganda Royal face the Kiringente test. MUBS will mark their return to league action with a tie against KJT.
St. Lawrence will begin their title defense with a match against Grace Church while rookies Mengo Hill will also taste the sand against MS Sand Lions.
Fixtures for the subsequent match days will be released as soon as possible.
St. Lawrence University defeated Mutoola BSC 4-2 on Sunday to retain the super four beach tournament crown at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru. Super four is the competition that serves as the curtain raiser to the new season. It is played by the top four teams as ranked by the previous season.
Baker Lukooya scored a hat-trick before Jonathan Kikonyogo added the fourth for the Saints to secure the trophy, their second in three finals played.
Guest of honour Mr. Isa Magoola (FUFA Exco Member) and Director of football development at FUFA – Ali Mwebe inspecting teams
Mutoola cruised past MS Sand Lions in the semifinals but were a shadow of themselves against Davis Nnono’s side.
They looked nervous and coiled their tails at the ultimate stage that mattered most. Their two goals came through Simon Peter Kijjo and Faisal Ssekitti.
Despite finishing fifth, Buganda Royal took part as a replacement for Jinja Lions who dropped out of the competition but were swiftly undone at the semifinal stage by an experienced St. Lawrence team. The new look side soon had their heads in their hands a few moments into the first period when Emmanuel Wasswa struck for St. Lawrence.
Veteran Sulaiman Ochero and Baker Lukooya grabbed a brace each to seal victory for their side while Dalton Davis Ssewanyana stood tall for the Abambowa with all the two goals.
MS Sand Lions, appearing in this competition for the very first time, were swept aside at the first time of asking by Mutoola. Faisal Ssekit (2), Simon Peter Kijjo, Sharif Apuuli and Farooq Kiberu scored for the Sand Giants. The Lions from Makindye had their goals through Simon Kizito and Emmanuel Matovu.
Buganda Royal beat Ms Sand Lions 5-3 in the third place play off to finish third.
St. Lawrence has now won the most super four titles – two, having defeated Buganda Royal in the previous edition held early this year.
Four days of committed learning resulted into the graduation of nineteen (19) beach soccer coaches on Friday 10th October 2023 at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
The coaches, now equipped with advanced knowledge, tactics and skills, are now fit to make better beach soccer players through practice with their respective clubs.
Kenya Harambee Sand Stars head coach Kinero Swaleh (right) receiving his certificate from the facilitator
They were taught coaching styles, training planning, training session structure, coach’s input during training, psychology and mentality, fitness training for beach soccer, match coaching, match analysis, formations, nutrition, injury prevention and rehabilitation, among many other things by instructor Bashir Mutyaba.
Bashir Mutyaba
These valuable skills are expected to make a huge contribution to the general enhancement of the quality of the game of beach soccer in Uganda when applied correctly.
Among the notable figures in the course included Kinero Swaleh – Harambee Sand Stars head coach and former Sand Cranes head coach – Muwonge Salim.
Isaac Eshioke from Nigeria was also among the learners
During the closing function, the coaches were combined with the beach soccer referees who have also been fine tuning their skills at the same venue.
The final moment of the courses was graced by different dignitaries including the Eastern region and FUFA EXCO member Isa Magoola who represented the FUFA president as the chief guest. Others included the chairman of Uganda Beach Soccer Association – Deo Mutabazi, chairman of the referees committee – Brian Miiro Nsubuga and FUFA delegate Hassan Kavuma from Buganda region.
As one of the key pillars of the game of beach soccer in Uganda, chairman Mutabazi was amused by the big pool and quality of human resource being created to serve the game, he also appealed to FUFA to increase the budget of beach soccer referees going forward.
chairman Deo Mutabazi
“I want to thank all of you who have been here for the entire week to ensure that these two courses are a success. Beach soccer is my life. I always give in for the good of this game, and I hope that with this quality of human resource Ben and Mutyaba have prepared for us, our duty administratively is now to create competitions and deploy these people to work and serve the country. The year 2024 is going to be a busy year for beach soccer in terms of competitions and activities throughout the country,” he said.
“So I assure you the expertise you have got from here is purely going to be so beneficial for us as a country. I am lucky that at the closing ceremony, we have the chairman referees who I must thank for the support. Previously, we were struggling with payment of referees ourselves but the federation took it over. And now through his office, I want to request for the increment of the budget of the beach soccer referees because now the number is going to increase yet they should be well facilitated and remunerated.”
“My brother Katabira used to tell me that you cannot have a good referee whose mental state is not stable. If someone has a lot of things disturbing the mind, then definitely the performance on the field of play will not be as perfect as you want.”
He further mentioned that Uganda has set sight on playing in the finals of the beach soccer world cup 2025 in Seychelles, calling upon the referees and the coaches to sweat blood so they can join the elites at the world stage.
“Next year we have beach soccer world cup in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Ben has been here and has seen our referees, I am not campaigning for them to be there but you never know God might make miracles and we have our referees at the world cup.”
“It’s the same year we are going to have beach soccer AFCON qualifiers which I believe if our people prepare very well, they should be able to take opportunities at the continent and the international activities.”
“Remember, after the world cup in UAE, the next world cup is going to be in Seychelles, Africa. And as Uganda, we have already started the project. We want Uganda to be in the finals of FIFA beach soccer world cup in Seychelles. Not the team alone, but even our referees and coaches should have the opportunity to feature at the international stage.”
Chief guest Isa Magoola relaying his remarks during the closing function
Mr. Magoola promised that FUFA will offer unconditional support to beach soccer but cautioned the referees to remain far and clear from the vice of match fixing and betting.
“I am honored to be here to close these two courses. As you are aware, we cannot have the game played without referees and the coaches. As FUFA, we are improving the remuneration of the referees and I think there is going to be more improvements in the remuneration but I want to caution them. We have passed the sports law. It talks about betting. Let us take care of ourselves against betting. The sports Act is clear, you will be charged in the courts of law if you go criminal. Let us avoid that,” he said.
“I want to thank CAF and FIFA for the courses. As Mr.Egesa said that they have applied for more courses, at the other level where I am – the policy level, ours is to prove that we can pass the policy when it’s brought under the executive. I will pass the message to the FUFA president to see that we can do whatever is needed to see that those courses are approved and well facilitated.”
“I am saying this due to our cordial relationship with CAF and FIFA, and I know we shall have them.”
“I want to thank Bashir. When he came to beach soccer, he was one in all; he was self-contained – in coaching and everything but now we are moving in the right direction. We are now having coaches who are going to help the instructor to develop the game.”
List of participants:
Kinero Swaleh (Harambee Sand Stars – Kenya NT), Kaddu Steven (Grace Church), Ngalire Geoffrey (Rubaga Youths), Musasizi Abdul Haliki ( Jinja Lions), Kutosi Daniel (Gulu), Lubowa Salim (Jiinja Lions), Kulika Ivan, Tayomba Solomon (Jinja Lions), Eng. Ssenfuma Timothy (Mutoola BSC), Omiat George (Kamuli), Joloba Yusuf (MS Sand Lions), Mutungi Alleluya ( Standard High School – Zzana), Isaac Ishioke (Nigeria), Bisaso Brian, Kimuli Tomasi (Mutoola), Kalanzi Gideon (Mutoola), Kalema Steven (Mutoola), Mukwata Peter Roland (Mutoola) and Muwonge Salim (Mutoola).
