By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Main Campus — Kampala International University (KIU) soccer team coach Geofrey Akabwai has joined the Uganda national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, currently in residential training at Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena ahead of the CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship scheduled for June 6–11 in Mombasa, Kenya.

Akabwai was named co-head coach alongside Arch Rica Byaruhanga and will be assisted by Baker Lukooya as the Sand Cranes aim to make a strong impression at this year’s regional tournament.

“As a head coach, this is the first time I’ve been named to a national team squad,” Akabwai said. “In 2014, I was summoned as a player, but it’s an immense honor to now be named as one of the national team coaches.”

“I’m also excited because this allows me to work with the best beach soccer players in the country. I thank the federation for this opportunity,” he added.

The 22-man squad features a mix of experienced players and rising stars drawn from various beach soccer clubs and institutions nationwide.

Full Sand Cranes squad:

Defenders: Kikonyogo Jonathan (St. Lawrence University BSC), Oppuuli Sharif (Kampala City BSC), Mukwata Peter (Mutoola BSC), Lule Paul (Kampala City BSC), Lubega Sharif (St. Lawrence University BSC), Kuol Micheal (London College of St. Lawrence)

Forwards: Edweu Godfrey (Teso College Aloet), Kigozi Ambrose (Kampala City BSC), Nyalimo Steven (Mutoola BSC), Niyonzima Benon (Unattached), Niwesasira Sison (Standard High Zana), Nkuubi Brian (Kampala City BSC), Lubwama Joshua (Kampala City BSC), Kagezi Junior (MS-Sandlions), Turyamuhika Dues (Makerere University Business School BSC), Lasu Thomas Lomoro (Makerere University Business School BSC), Ssendi Joseph Kabona (Buganda Royal Institute BSC), Wasswa Emmanuel Alex (Kampala City BSC)

Goalkeepers: Kibirige Meddie (Kampala City BSC), Mutebi Ronald (Unattached), Kasibante Edward (Buganda Royal Institute BSC), Omedwa Rogers (Kampala City BSC)

Technical bench:

Head coach: Arch Rica Byaruhanga
Co-Head Coach: Geofrey Akabwai

Assistant coach: Baker Lukooya

Team doctor: Kulika Ivan
Team manager: Ssebagala Tonny