Three students, Edweu Godfrey from Teso College Aloet, Niwesasira Sison from Standard High School Zzana, and Kuol Michael from London College of St. Lawrence, have been called up to the Uganda national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes. The team is gearing up for the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship in Kenya this June.
This call-up is a testament to the Uganda Schools Sports Association’s (USSSA) mission of identifying, nurturing, and promoting talent in Africa through competitions and capacity-building initiatives. USSSA has a track record of producing talented athletes who go on to represent national teams in sports like tennis, volleyball, basketball, and football.
The three players made a name for themselves in beach soccer during the USSSA Ball Games II at Teso College Aloet last year. Kuol Michael was named Most Valuable Player, while Sison Niwesasira led Standard High School Zzana to their second consecutive national title. Edweu Godfrey, meanwhile, top-scored in the championship with 13 goals for Teso College Aloet in their debut appearance..
The call for these three is a testimony to the talent they possess, hardwork and resilience the fact that beach soccer in schools is still a growing sport.
The Sand Cranes began their preparations for the CECAFA Championship on May 25, 2025, at FUFA House in Mengo, before heading to the Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena in Kasanje for intensive training. Head coach Arch Rica Byaruhanga, assisted by Akabwai Geoffrey and Baker Lukooya, will lead the team in their bid to make a strong showing in the regional competition.
The team includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talent drawn from various beach soccer clubs and institutions across the country.
Full Squad List: Kikonyogo Jonathan (DF, St. Lawrence Univ – BSC), Oppuuli Sharif (DF, Kampala City BSC), Mukwata Peter (DF, Mutoola BSC), Lule Paul (DF, Kampala City BSC), Lubega Sharif (DF, St. Lawrence Univ – BSC), Kuol Micheal (DF, London College of St. Lawrence), Edweu Godfrey (FWD, Teso College Aloet), Kigozi Ambrose (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Nyalimo Steven (FWD, Mutoola BSC), Niyonzima Benon (FWD, Unattached), Niwesasira Sison (FWD, Standard High Zana), Nkuubi Brian (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Lubwama Joshua (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Kagezi Junior (FWD, MS-Sandlions), Turyamuhika Dues (FWD, Makerere Univ Business Sch – BSC), Lasu Thomas Lomoro (FWD, Makerere Univ Business Sch – BSC), Ssendi Joseph Kabona (FWD, Buganda Royal Inst – BSC), Wasswa Emmanuel Alex (FWD, Kampala City BSC), Kibirige Meddie (GK, Kampala City BSC), Mutebi Ronald (GK, Unattached), Kasibante Edward (GK, Buganda Royal Inst – BSC), Omedwa Rogers (GK, Kampala City BSC).
Technical Bench: Head Coach: Arch Rica Byaruhanga, Assistant Coaches: Akabwai Geofrey, Baker Lukooya, Team Doctor: Kulika Ivan, Team Manager: Ssebagala Tonny.
USSSA remains committed to producing talents and giving them platform to be exposed to National and Intentional heights.