The 2023 Uganda Secondary Schools National Beach Soccer Games kicked off with a bang on Tuesday at St. Mary’s College Rushoroza beach soccer grounds in the western district of Kasese. The tournament features eleven schools competing in the beach soccer games, including five teams in the girls’ category.

Girls Games:
In the opening match, the Academy of St. Lawrence set the tone with an impressive 6-1 victory over St. Lawrence Horizon Campus. Melissa Namukwaya and Diana Kyabwe showcased their scoring prowess, each netting a brace to contribute to their team’s dominant performance. Elizabeth Namajja and Tushabe Kirabo also found the back of the net, while Ruth Yeko’s goal for the Horizon campus served as a consolation in the face of the Academy’s resounding triumph.

In another thrilling encounter, Shamma High School proved their strength by securing a 4-2 victory over Mukono Kings High School. Peace Muduwa shone brightly, scoring two goals for Shamma High School, while Tabitha Nadunga and Valeria Nalunga each added a goal to secure the win. Aidah Namuwonge and Zubedah Chandiru fought back for the Mukono side, but their efforts fell short in overturning the game.

The Boys:
The boys’ category witnessed a captivating clash as hosts St. Mary’s College Rushoroza faced off against Paris Praise of St. Lawrence. In a closely contested match, Paris Praise emerged victorious with a narrow 6-5 scoreline. Joshua Ogwal Otim impressed with a hat-trick, while Joe Niyigaba contributed with a brace and Wani Obuto also found the back of the net. Despite a strong fight from the hosts, led by Edwin Twebaze’s brace, Frederick Munezero, Isaac Ainamaani, and Joshua Manzi, it was not enough to secure a win for St. Mary’s College Rushoroza.

The tournament also saw notable performances from Standard High School Zzana (STAHIZA) and the Academy of St. Lawrence. STAHIZA showcased their beach soccer prowess with a convincing 6-3 victory over London College of St. Lawrence, thanks to Dyson Nsaasira’s hat-trick and goals from Latif Simaluulu and Griphine Kawere. The Academy of St. Lawrence emerged as the biggest winners of the day, defeating Cream Land Campus of St. Lawrence 9-4, with Churchhill Kyomuhendo leading the charge with four goals.

Wednesday promises to bring more thrilling matches as the tournament continues. Two games are scheduled in the girls’ category, along with a couple of fixtures in the boys’ category, promising more excitement and fierce competition.

As the competition progresses, the talent and skills of the participating schools are on display and spectators eagerly anticipate more breathtaking moments, cheering for their favourite teams and witnessing the emergence of future beach soccer stars.

Source: Uganda Beach Soccer