Sand Cranes start training ahead of Ghana duel

The Uganda National Beach Soccer Team (The Sand Cranes) on Monday commenced preparations for the forthcoming 2021 Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ghana.

The team entered residential camp on Sunday had a double training session today at the FUFA Technical Centre, where a new beach soccer field was recently put up.

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.

Some of these include Samson Kirya goalkeeper at Wakiso Giants FC, team captain Meddie Kibirige who features for SC Villa, Douglas Muganga of Busoga United FC and Brian Nkuubi at URA FC.

Others are Jamilu Maliyamungu, Paul Kato, Alex Emmanuel Wasswa, Rica Byaruhanga and Godfrey Lwesibawa.

Caoch Salim Jamal Muwonge indicated that the first day was about examining the fitness levels of the players and hopes the entire team can assemble in time.

“Today was basically about assessing how the players stand in terms of fitness levels because most of them have not been around. We hope to have the whole team soon and embark on full preparations.” He said.

Uganda will host Ghana on 27^th March 2021 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru with the return leg coming between 9^th-10^th 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