Home Football Sand Cranes set sights on CECAFA glory, Assistant Coach Lukooya confident

Sand Cranes set sights on CECAFA glory, Assistant Coach Lukooya confident

by Jeremiah Mugalu
1 minutes read

With the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship just days away, Ugandaโ€™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.

โ€œThis is day two in camp, and the players are looking good,โ€ he said. โ€œFitness levels are high, technically theyโ€™re sharp, and the tactics are coming together.โ€

The road to Mombasa hasnโ€™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 7โ€“12. The setback, however, has only strengthened the groupโ€™s resolve.

โ€œWeโ€™re promising good results,โ€ Lukooya added. โ€œWe have a few more days of training before we travel. Right now, weโ€™re focused on scoringโ€”because in beach soccer, goals are everything.โ€

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 teamโ€™s favor, allowing players to report to camp in peak condition.

โ€œThe league ended last week, so players came in fit,โ€ Lukooya said. โ€œAnd we have quality in this group.โ€

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