The Uganda Sand Cranes ramp up preparations for a high-stakes Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double header against Burundi, and Ntugasaze FC star Charles Batibwe has issued a rallying cry, vowing to repay the immense faith the national technical team has placed in him.
Currently undergoing rigorous residential training at Bunjako Beach in Buwama, Mpigi District, the national beach soccer team is leaving nothing to chance as they eye a coveted ticket to the continental finals in Senegal. For Batibwe, joining the national camp is more than an opportunity to pull on the national colours; it is a personal mission to justify his selection.
“I’m glad to be here in support of the national team,” Batibwe remarked during camp. “As we prepare ourselves for the upcoming qualifiers against Burundi, we are here to give all our best.”
Reflecting on his breakthrough call-up, the forward emphasised his gratitude towards the coaching staff. “I personally am happy to be here, and I can’t thank my coaches enough, who believed in me to be here. So, I can’t let them down.”
Head coach Akabwai has reported overwhelmingly positive responses from the players as the team puts in the hard yards at Bunjako Beach. Crucially, the camp boasts a clean bill of health with zero injury concerns, handing Uganda a fully fit squad as they intensify their tactical drills for the Burundi challenge.
The upcoming assignment is a titanic two-legged battle with a definitive objective: the aggregate winner secures passage to the main Beach Soccer AFCON tournament hosted by Senegal.
Uganda will hit the road for the crucial first leg in Burundi on October 10, before returning home to host the decisive second leg at Bamboo Gardens, Kasanje, on October 18.
With the first leg now only days away, Batibwe insists that maximum commitment is non-negotiable if the Sand Cranes are to emerge victorious on aggregate and keep their continental dreams alive.
“So, for them, we can explode it and give all our best,” Batibwe asserted, summing up the collective mood in camp.