The Uganda National Beach Soccer Team (The Sand Cranes) were treated to good news on Thursday evening after confirming qualification to this year’s Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations.
The development came as a result of Ghana withdrawing from the qualifying phase thus gifting the Sand Cranes an opportunity of playing at the finals for the first time.
The players who were already in camp at the FUFA Technical Centre received the news with delight and can’t wait to represent Uganda at the Championship slated for 23rd -29th May 2021.
Below is what some of the players said;
Meddie Kibirige – Team Captain
‘It’s an amazing feeling for the hard work and commitment we have put up in the past years. Finally it has paid off. I dedicate this to the UBSA Chairman, Mr .Deo Mutabazi.’
Suleiman Ochero
‘I am so happy and I cannot explain what I feel in my heart. It’s been a long journey with so many heartbreaks when we didn’t use our chances. This time, we knew what we needed after committing mistakes in the past but good enough Ghana has cleared our way . We had the chance to correct. Uganda beach soccer will change as the world will know more about Uganda.‘
Baker Lukooya
‘It’s a miracle from God because I was only recalled to the team after four years. The last time I played qualification , Ghana humiliated us. It will change our mentality as national team players and a chance for the game of Beach Soccer to change for the better.’
Godfrey Lwesibwa
‘It was God’ plan for us to qualify for the AFCON Beach Soccer. We shall definitely use this opportunity to express our abilities as players.‘
Rica Byaruhanga
‘Success is sweet. But it’s sweeter when its achieved thorough co-ordination, cooperation & collaboration. Thank you to all of you for delivering such great teamwork and glory be to God .‘
‘I have been waiting for this moment, working tirelessly but finally .it is here and can’t wait to represent Uganda at such a stage.‘
Deo, Mutabazi – UBSA Chairman
‘From our humble beginning in 2009, I even feel emotional that we have been able to come this far. Qualification is a true reflection of our efforts from the players, coaches and every stakeholder.’
