Mombasa, Kenya: Uganda’s national beach soccer team, Sand Cranes, will participate in the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship, scheduled to take place from June 6 to 11, 2025, at Pirates Beach in Mombasa.
The Sand Cranes have been in residential training since late May at the Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena in Kasanje, Wakiso District.
Head coach Arch Rica Byaruhanga, assisted by Akabwai Geofrey and Baker Lukooya, is leading a 22-man squad that blends seasoned players and emerging talent from clubs, universities, and secondary schools.
Among the standout players are Kikonyogo Jonathan from St. Lawrence University and Kampala City BSC’s Kibirige Meddie. The technical bench says the squad is primed for a strong showing in what will be Uganda’s historic debut in the regional beach soccer tournament.
In a remarkable boost for youth football, three secondary school students were called up to the national team after impressing during the 2024 USSSA Ball Games II.
These include Edweu Godfrey from Teso College Aloet, who scored 13 goals during the school’s debut tournament, Kuol Michael from London College of St. Lawrence, who was named Most Valuable Player, and Niwesasira Sison from Standard High School Zzana, who helped his school claim a second national title.
The Sand Cranes will be banking on attacking duo Kigozi Ambrose and Lubwama Joshua to provide goals, while Oppuuli Sharif and Mukwata Peter are expected to anchor the defense. Goalkeeping duties will be shared among Mutebi Ronald, Kasibante Edward, and Omedwa Rogers.
Around eight national teams from East and Central Africa are expected to compete in the championship, which marks a new milestone in CECAFA’s push to grow beach soccer in the region. Uganda’s inclusion reflects its increasing investment and diversification in football beyond the traditional 11-a-side format.
The 2025 CECAFA football calendar also includes the Senior Challenge Cup, Dar Port Kagame Cup, CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers, and AFCON U-17 CECAFA Qualifiers.
Full Uganda Sand Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers (GK):
Kibirige Meddie – Kampala City
Mutebi Ronald – Unattached
Kasibante Edward – Buganda Royal Institute
Omedwa Rogers – Kampala City
Defenders (DF):
Kikonyogo Jonathan – SLAU University
Oppuuli Sharif – Kampala City
Mukwata Peter – Mutoola
Lule Paul – Kampala City
Lubega Sharif – St. Lawrence University
Kuol Micheal – London College of St. Lawrence
Forwards (FWD):
Edweu Godfrey – Teso College Aloet
Kigozi Ambrose – Kampala City
Nyalimo Steven – Mutoola
Niyonzima Benon – Unattached
Niwesasira Sison – Standard High Zzana
Nkuubi Brian – Kampala City
Lubwama Joshua – Kampala City
Kagezi Junior – MS-Sandlions
Turyamuhika Dues – MUBS
Lasu Thomas Lomoro – MUBS
Ssendi Joseph Kabona – Buganda Royal Institute
Wasswa Emmanuel Alex – Kampala City
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