Uganda’s Sand Crane participation at the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship scheduled for 25th September – 1st October 2022 in Durban, South Africa is the first test for Angelo Schirinzi as Head Coach.

After Uganda narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2021 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup at the AFCON Beach Soccer 2021 in Senegal, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations realised that the team would have performed better if they had an experienced Technical Person. For that reason, Uganda Beach Soccer Association recommend the hiring of an expatriate to work hand in hand with the Ugandan coaches to see the Sand Cranes perform better. 

Swizz-born Angelo Schrinzi stood out as the best candidate and was offered the Head Coach role of the Uganda Beach Soccer team nicknamed the Sand Cranes. He is a former Player and Coach for Switzerland National Beach Soccer Team.

Immediately after he was unveiled, Angelo started work with the team which was camping at the FUFA Technical Center in Jinja Eastern Uganda. And following a week with the team, he named his 14-man squad for the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship slated for September 25th – October 1st 2022 in Durban, South Africa.

The Sand Cranes are in group B alongside Tanzania and Mauritius.

Uganda’s Squad for COSAFA
Goalkeepers
Samson Kirya (Buganda Royal BSC), Meddie Kibirige (St. Lawrence BSC), Ronald Mutebi (St. Lawrence BSC)

Defenders
Jonathan Kikonyogo (St. Lawrence BSC), Allan Katwe (St. Lawrence BSC), Ashraf Apuuli (Mutoola BSC), Isma Kawawulo (MUBS BSC), Peter Mukwata (Mutoola BSC)

Forwards
Baker Lukoya (St. Lawrence BSC), Ambrose Kigozi (Buganda Royal BSC), Joshua Lubwama (St. Lawrence BSC), Shaka Ssozi (Jinja Lions BSC), Godfrey Lwesibawa (Buganda Royal BSC), Brian Nkuubi (St. Lawrence BSC)

Afrikana writes from Uganda