The Uganda National Beach Soccer Team (The Sand Cranes) has on Monday entered residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru to start preparations for the forthcoming 2021 Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations qualifiers due this month.
Uganda will face Ghana in a double legged affair, with the first leg taking place at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on 27th March and a return leg away in two weeks’ time.
The team began preparations with a double session at the newly constructed Beach Soccer Facility at the Technical Centre.
11 of the 20 players summoned attended Monday’s training with the rest who still have engagements with teams in the Uganda Premier League expected to join camp by Thursday morning.
These include Captain Meddie Kibirige, Douglas Muganga, Samson Kirya, Brian Nkuubi, Jamilu Maliyamungu, Paul Kato, Alex Emmanuel Wasswa, Rica Byaruhanga and Godfrey Lwesibawa.
Caoch Salim Jamal Muwonge was impressed with the first day and believes the players will be in good shape before the matches.
‘Many of the players have not been active and therefore, the first task is to work on their fitness levels and make sure they are in good shape before the games. We believe entering in camp will have us to access every player.’ Said the coach
Goalkeeper Nasser Lwamunda is optimistic that with better preparations, the team will achieve the target of qualifying to the final tournament.
‘Our target is to go past Ghana and qualify for the final tournament and I believe better preparations will help us achieve that. We have started off well and hope to keep the same momentum ahead of the games.’
Uganda will host Ghana on 27th March 2021 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru with the return leg coming between 9th-10th April. The winner on aggregate will qualify for the final tournament slated for May in Senegal.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers:
Meddie Kibirige (Isabet), Jamilu Maliyamungu (MUBS), Samson Kirya (Entebbe Sharks), Nasser Lwamunda (KIU)
Defenders:
Paul Lule (Buganda Royal), Davis Kasujja (MUBS), Douglas Muganga (MUBS), Paul Kato (Buganda Royal), Suleiman Ochero (St. Lawrence University)
Midfielders:
Peter Mukwata (Mutoola Beach), Swaibu Kakwaya (Buganda Royal), Alex Emmanuel Wasswa (St. Lawrence University), Ronald Magwali (Buganda Royal), Rica Byaruhanga (Isabet)
Forwards:
Ismail Kawawulo (MUBS), Brian Nkuubi (St. Lawrence University), Said Munir (MUBS), Swalleh Ssimbwa (St. Lawrence University), Godfrey Lwesibwa (Buganda Royal), Baker Lukooya (St. Lawrence University)
Officials
- Head coach – Salim Jamal Muwonge
- Assistant Manager – Peter Sseguya
- Fitness Coach – Charles Lukula Ayiekoh
- Team Physician – Ivan Kulika
- Team Manager – Tonny Ssebagala
- Media Officer – Julius Mutebi