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USSSA Ball Games II 2023: Mukono Kings Leave Opponents Wailing

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

USSSA Ball Games II 2023: STAHIZA, Academy of St. Lawrence Top Piles With Comprehensive Wins.

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.

USSSA Ball Games II 2023: Standard High, Academy of St. Lawrence Shine As Beach Soccer Games Kick Off

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.

Playing Beach Soccer Away From The Natural Beach

Beach soccer is indeed a great spectator sport, fun, and has availed scores of people a chance to have their first kick of a ball. The game is predominantly played on the beach and it is even more exciting to watch as people get sucked into that whole beach culture it presents.

**Beach soccer maven Ali Mwebe ensuring the right measurements are followed before construction of a beach soccer pitch**

Constructing pitches on the main land for the sand-bound version of the beautiful game is however a rapidly growing industry and it is increasingly becoming a common practice for areas and countries without natural serene beaches.

Landlocked countries like Switzerland, Paraguay and Belarus have embraced the sport with upland arenas and they have repeatedly featured at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

**Aerial view of FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena in Njeru, Uganda**

One East African nation, Uganda, has also become a master of this trade. Water levels of Lake Victoria shot up continuously starting the year of 2017, inundating its shores, including the beaches where the game had found haven. But because of the unmatched first rate leadership at UBSA and FUFA, the land locked country beat its dire straits to find a regular spot at the table of men in Africa. Uganda is by miles the best beach soccer playing nation in the CECAFA region, fifth in Africa and 34^th in the whole world – without a beach facility though.

**Uganda is the best beach soccer playing nation in CECAFA region**

FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena was constructed in 2019 and has since served as the training and home forte for the country’s national team – The Sand Cranes. The arena also hosts league matches for both men and women.

**A league action at FUFA technical centre**

More than one acre of land was acquired in Bulisa town council in 2021 and a beach soccer facility was established at Kisansya primary school. Efforts are in place to construct one more at St. Lawrence University in Kampala and another at St. Mary’s Rushoroza in Kabale before this year ends.

**UBSA, FUFA and government officials during the ground breaking function of Kisansya beach soccer facility in Buliisa**

Primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions and various Universities around the country are also putting up beach soccer pitches at their premises, giving the game a strong base at the grass root level.

But getting the venues right is paramount for a sport aspiring for global popularity and here are five steps to constructing an artificial beach soccer pitch.

1 – Identify a suitable location and define your beach soccer pitch area, including the play zone and at least a two-meter off-pitch boundary around the play zone. Remember, the pitch size depends on your available space, even though regulation size measures between 35 to 37 meters and 26 to 28 meters.

**UBSA chairman Deo Mutabazi (middle) took the lead at a ground breaking event in Bulisa.**

2- Remove the top soil of the defined area – most builders aspire to create a level surface with the sub-base of the pitch area generally tilted for drainage purposes. This is essential in case of rain. Beach soccer world wide (BSWW) recommends use of perforated poly vinyl chloride (PVC) pipes covered with permeable fabric inside gravel-covered ducts and covered again with another layer of permeable fabric. As all these activities take place, the best quality of sand to be used should be onsite. To build a beach soccer facility in the middle of a street, square or open space (‘Ekibangirizi’), you need about 800 tons of sand, not just any sand and certainly not the type used in general construction. Grains must be between 0.2mm and 0.3mm in diameter and are generally sourced from beaches, desert dunes or lake shores. If this is not possible, a near-perfect fit can be sourced.

**Super quality sand was used in the construction of the beach soccer arena at FTC**

3 – After the top soil is removed, sub-drain perforated pipes are installed to slope, sieved sand that is free of pebbles is delivered and a sand pitch is then laid to a depth of at least 40 centimeters. A wood or brick retention box should be installed to prevent sand loss and a mesh fence installed to prevent animals from fouling the pitch.

Pitch experts led by FUFA director of football development Ali Mwebe, UBSA chairman Deo Mutabazi, Mr. Bashir Mutyaba and Mr. Tony Ssebaggala testing the quality of sand at one of the recently established venues

4 – Pitch equipment and accessories. The goal post (5×2.2 meters) can be locally fabricated, otherwise, a standard one can be ordered from BSWW equipment partners. Pitch boundary lines are blue geo-textile materials, so you can use a blue fireman water hose. A roll and a half would just be perfect for your standard pitch. Although the corner flags are special PVC flag poles mounted on flexible rubber base which is buried in the soil to allow free pole swings, a traditional hollow PVC round pipe of about 1.2 meters in height could just be stuck into the soil with your red and yellow fabric flags at the tip.

5 – Get the balls, invite your friends and let the game begin!

**Fans from different walks of life enjoying the game in Njeru**

Additional reporting by Taye Olajide and Beach Soccer Magazine issue no.4 2017

ST. Lawrence Win Fifth League Title With Victory Over Jinja Lions

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.

**Brian Nkuubi (in blue) opened the scores for SLAU**

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.

**Skilled: Baker Lukooya (with the ball) executing a scissors kick**

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.

**SLAU’s coach Davis Nnono passing on instructions to his players**

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.

**Shaka Ssozi scored Jinja Lions’ equaliser from range**

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:

Asubo Gafford Overwhelms Gomba To Win League Title

Asubo Gafford WFC are the 2022/23 FUFA beach soccer league winners after a convincing 7-4 victory over Gomba Queens in the final on Sunday. They had total control of the game in the first period with Fatumah Nakusumba, who was named as the most valuable player, running the Gafford show at FUFA technical centre beach soccer arena in Njeru.

**Nakasumba dispatching a ferocious shot against Gomba**

She scored four goals – opening the scores with a well taken strike before doubling their advantage moments later as Rogers Nkugwa and his girls took a 2-0 lead. Her other two goals came in the last two periods.

Despite struggling with the aggressive approach from Asubo Gafford, Gomba made use of the open spaces left behind and almost caused a scare – threatening to equalize when the scores were at 3-2.

**Nakalyowa (in blue) left Asubo Gafford praying for the final whistle**

At this moment, Shaminah Nakalyowa had given the Queens a lease of life with some energetic display and long range shooting tactic which produced a count of four fine goals to her name and the player of the match award.

But her efforts were not enough to overturn the game, with Sharon Namatovu also scoring a brace for her side and another strike from Shakira Nagudi confirming Asubo Gafford’s first league title at the first time of asking as they also dominated the awards.

FUFA women beach soccer league was featuring for the first time after three years of quiescent caused by the pandemic and Asubo Gafford has become the first team to win the crown post the COVID 19 era. But Doves women beach club and Mutesa 1 Royal University Ladies are the most successful sides in the competition with three titles each.

The final act of the season was honored by various dignitaries including; the chairperson of Uganda Beach Soccer Association – Mr. Deo Mutabazi, the chairperson of Uganda Women Football Association – Mrs. Margret Kubingi, FUFA delegates – Anthony Tumwesigye and Hassan Kirunda.

Mrs. Aisha Bakari- the vice chairperson of UWFA, coach Oliver Mbekeka, and Mrs. Sharon Nalunga from the office of the FUFA CEO. Mr. Ali Mwebe, Mr. Bashir Mutyaba, Mr. Steven Kalema, Mr. Joel Kyewalabye, Mr. Timothy Ssenfuma, Mr. Mukasa Benard and Mr. Sseguya Peter also graced the event and they were thrilled by the great skills exhibited by the girls on sand.

Awards

Topscorer – Shaminah Birungi Nakalyowa (Gomba Queens – 28 goals)

MVP – Fatumah Nakasumba (Asubo Gafford)

Best young player – Leticia Nakyeyune (Kampala Junior Team)

Best goalkeeper – Lukia Olga (Asubo Gafford)

Best coach – Rogers Nkugwa (Asubo Gafford)

Fair play – Kampala Junior Team (KJT)

Team of the season (Best five)

Lukia Olga (Asubo Gafford)

Fatumah Nakasumba (Asubo Gafford)

Leticia Nakyeyune (KJT)

Shaminah Birungi Nakalyowa (Gomba Queens)

Sharon Namatovu (Asubo Gafford)

Pictorial: 1-3 (F.Nakasumba, S.Nakalyowa & L.Olga)

Asubo Gafford, Gomba Queens Set Up Epic Final

Six teams dared to dream of lifting the trophy at the end of the 2022/23 FUFA women beach soccer league when the campaign started in January.

Only two teams – Asubo Gafford WFC and Gomba Queens are left standing ahead of Sunday’s final at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Kampala Junior Team (KJT) had ruled the reigns for quite a long period but they were kicked off the patch on Tuesday when they failed to make the grade in three of their five games played at Mutoola resort beach in Mukono.

Asubo Gafford won all their four games on the day as Gomba Queens collected maximum points in four of their five matches, finishing first and second on the log with eighteen and thirteen points respectively.

KJT finished the season with the same count of points as Gomba but the latter profited from the superior goal difference of 25, seven better of KJT’s.

The final will take place on Sunday 18th June 2023 at the FUFA Technical Centre beach soccer arena.

Tuesday 13th June, 2023 – Results

Mpaata Ladies 0-14 Gomba Queens

KJT 9-2 Nansana Ladies

Asubo Gafford WFC 4-2 KJT

Gomba Queens 11-1 Nansana Ladies

Mpaata ladies 0-6 Asubo Gafford WFC

Nansana Ladies 0- 8 KJT

Gomba Queens 2-3 Asubo Gafford WFC

KJT 1-4 Asubo Gafford WFC

Gomba Queens 7-0 Mpaata Ladies

Mpaata Ladies 0-1 Nansana Ladies

KJT 2 -3 Gomba Queens

Final – Sunday 18th June 2023

Asubo Gafford WFC Vs Gomba Queens – 2pm.

Past Winners

2012-2013 – Doves Women Beach Soccer Club.

2013-2014 – Candies Women Beach Soccer Club

2014-2015 – Doves Women Beach Soccer Club

2015-2016 – Doves Women Beach Soccer Club

2016-2017 – Mutesa 1 Royal University Ladies

2017-2018 – Mutesa 1 Royal University Ladies

2018-2019 – Mutesa 1 Royal University Ladies

2019-2020 – Cancelled Due to Covid Pandemic

2020-2021 – Not Played

2021-2022 – Not Played.

FUFA Beach Soccer League: Final Four Known, Dates And Fixtures For The Play Offs Confirmed

The end of this campaign sees the country’s best four teams do battle with the play offs line up completed at the conclusion of the regular season.

There have been some unbelievable performances from ‘underdogs’ already and it’s expected to be a throbbing ending as there will be no holding back in the last four as teams will be playing their hearts out for a place in the final due June 18, 2023.

The first teams to make the playoffs were St.Lawrence University and Mutoola BSC. Jinja Lions could not wait to be summoned to the party while MS Sand Lions picked the last spot on the final day of the regular season.

Out of the four, only defending champions St. Lawrence walk with experience at this level and they will come into the showdown with a record four titles but the other three will be making their first appearances at this stage.

**Jinja Lions Hussein Ssajjabi closes down Peter Mukwata of Mutoola in the first round**

St. Lawrence will play MS Sand Lions before Mutoola face off with Jinja Lions at FUFA technical centre, with the victors progressing to the final scheduled for the same day.

Sunday 18th June 2023

Play -offs

A – St. Lawrence Vs MS Sand Lions 12pm

B – Mutoola Vs Jinja Lions – 1pm

Classification Match

Loser A Vs Loser B – 3pm

Final

Winner A Vs Winner B – 4pm

MS Sand Lions Book Final Play-off Spot With 6-2 Win Over Grace Church

MS Sand Lions progressed into the championship playoffs of the 2022/23 FUFA beach soccer league after defeating Grace Church 6-2 in their final league game of the regular season on Sunday.

The win took their points count to 28, six better than Buganda Royal who failed to win all their remaining games to allow the ‘Tiimu Ye’kibuga’ to seal the final last four spot.

Starman Yusuf Joloba scored a hat-trick, with two of his strikes coming in the first period.

Simon Kizito showed up with a brace before Rajab Okello banged in the last nail. Kenny Mugabi and Marvin Ssempijja scored for the Church boys who were without a coach at FUFA technical centre.

Mukiibi Ssemwogerere’s men now sit at the same table with St. Lawrence University, Mutoola and Jinja Lions who had already qualified for the playoffs.

The last mentioned won two of their final three matches, beating Kiringente and Mutoola 9-2 and 5-3 in that order before losing 4-2 to defending champions St. Lawrence as they remained third with 32 points.

**Sharp Shooter: Nicholas Mwere scored nine goals on Sunday to top the scoring chart with 33 goals**

St Lawrence’s goalkeeper Meddy Kibirige was sent off for a second bookable offense against Mutoola with the Saints turning to defender Rica Byaruhanga for the role between the uprights.

But despite playing almost two games with a makeshift ‘goalkeeper,’ they maintained their standards with victories against the Sand Giants and Jinja Lions. They won 7-5 and 4-2 to sit at the top of the pile with 43 points.

**Savior: Defender cum goalkeeper Rica Byaruhanga was named player of the match against Jinja Lions**

Mutoola, who finished second, lost to St. Lawrence and Jinja Lions as mentioned above before defeating Buganda Royal 4-1 to gather 36 points.

The championship playoffs and the final will be played on 18th June, 2023 at FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.

Sunday June 11, 2023 – Full Results:

Kiringente 2-9 Jinja Lions

Mutoola 5-7 St. Lawrence

Kiringente 5-6 Buganda Royal

Jinja Lions 5-3 Mutoola

MS Sand Lions 6-2 Grace Church

Buganda Royal 1-4 Mutoola

Jinja Lions 2-4 St. Lawrence

Reason Why Every Club Has 16 Games Instead of 14 Despite The League Having Eight Teams

The fact is that the current FUFA beach soccer league campaign is apparently consisting of eight teams competing.

With the league running on a double round robin format, that would make a total of 14 games for each club after playing against each other twice across two legs.

But by the end of the regular season, teams will have sixteen (16) games played apiece before the championship play offs, and hereunder shows the rationale behind it.

The first kick of this season saw ten teams participating with each playing nine games to completion in the first round.

**MUBS team withdrew from the current season**

However, two clubs – MUBS and Kampala Junior Team (KJT) were excused from continuing with the competition owing to their individual challenges in the second round, leaving behind eight teams in the league.

Pursuant to Article 25(11) of the FUFA competition rules and regulations, all the first round games and results were sustained despite the withdrawal of the two teams.

The Article states that;

“If at the time of withdrawal, the club has played 50% and above of the league, the results of the first round shall be sustained while all the results of matches in the second round shall be nullified.”

Therefore the permutations yield a total of 16 games for each team when the nine games for the first round and the seven to be played by every remaining club in the second round are summed up.

**current table standings indicating the number of games played by every team so far**

The regular season will click its apex with nine matches scheduled at FUFA technical centre in Njeru this Sunday of 11^th June.

Three teams – Jinja Lions, Mutoola and St.Lawrence University have presently qualified for the championship playoffs due 18th June, 2023 at the same venue.