With the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship just days away, Uganda’s Sand Cranes are back in camp and sharpening up for the big stage in Mombasa, Kenya.
Assistant Coach Baker Lukooya, speaking after a light evening session at Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena in Kasanje, struck a confident tone.
“This is day two in camp, and the players are looking good,” he said. “Fitness levels are high, technically they’re sharp, and the tactics are coming together.”
The road to Mombasa hasn’t been smooth. The team initially entered camp in May when the tournament was slated for early June, only for logistical delays to push it to July 7–12. The setback, however, has only strengthened the group’s resolve.
“We’re promising good results,” Lukooya added. “We have a few more days of training before we travel. Right now, we’re focused on scoring—because in beach soccer, goals are everything.”
The 22-man squad is in its final phase of preparation under Head Coach Arch Rica Byaruhanga, with Lukooya and Geofrey Akabwai as assistants. Team Manager Ssebagala Tonny is handling coordination ahead of departure.
The recent conclusion of the domestic beach soccer league has also worked in the team’s favor, allowing players to report to camp in peak condition.
“The league ended last week, so players came in fit,” Lukooya said. “And we have quality in this group.”
