After the Uganda’ s first ever international beach soccer friendly match in which the Sand Cranes beat Zanzibar Sand Heroes 5 – 4 at the Bububu Stadium, the team has safely returned home on Wednesday.
Team Captain, Derrick Tekkwo and his assistant, Douglas Muganga with the national flag at Kati Kati Restaurant, minutes after alighting from the bus.
The team arrived at the Kati Kati restaurant in Kampala by around 10: 40 a.m with the national team bus which they used for the journey.
Uganda Beach Soccer Association, Chairman, Deo Mutabaazi addressing the players and media
We thank God for the safe journey mercies and the trip, besides our victory in an international match was fruitful in many ways. We learnt how to play under intense pressure, we got strong links and soon the first East Africa Copa Beach Soccer will take place next year.
Deo Mutabaazi, Chairman, Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) remarked.
FUFA Finance Director, Decolas Kizza welcomed the team on behalf of the federation and encouraged the players to keep up the spirit.
As FUFA, we are still committed to seeing the prosperity of this team especially at time when Uganda is set to take part in the CAF Beach Soccer Championships next year in April that will be held in Seychelles.
Kizza said in his brief remarks.
FUFA Technical Director (T.D) who was also present at the team welcoming ceremony was excited about the victory the national team registered and challenged the players to keep the touch burning.
Pepsi Brand Manager, Pepsi Uganda, Timothy Luzinda recommitted his company’s desire to support the team to prosperity as well as all the UBSA activities.
We are proud of the Uganda Sand Cranes and UBSA. The success script gives us the impetus to further support all your programmes
Luzinda stressed as the members applauded.
FUFA beach soccer delegate, Anthony Tumwesigye hinted on how the journey was safe and praised the Uganda Cranes bus driver, Ahmed Kabali, the players, media, FUFA and all the other official who traveled with the team.
We had a strong team work effort and every one was co0perative. Thank you all.
Tumwesigye, who also hinted on the desire expressed by Mombasa to host the team in January said.
Uganda is set to play in the AFCON 2015 beach soccer championships, that will be held in Seychelles.
MAIN PHOTO: The Sand Cranes players with officials at Kati Kati Restaurant in Kampala shortly after arrival from Zanzibar
PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department