By Swalley Kenyi

FIFA has tipped Uganda to rule Africa in beach soccer if standard pitches and a national team are put in place for international competitions as soon as possible.

FIFA instructors Sunday Okayi from Nigeria and his counterpart Talib Hilal of Oman, who conducted an advanced level course for referees and coaches last week, described the game in Uganda as the country’s opportunity to shine in FIFA.

“I see Ugandan beach soccer ruling in Africa and even the world in the next five years. My country Nigeria are the Africa champions but we do not have the zeal you Ugandans have. All you need is to persuade sponsors to support the game,” instructor Okayi advised.

Speaking at the closure of the weeklong course at the Fisheries Technical Institute in Entebbe last Friday, Hilal wondered why Uganda does not participate in FIFA or CAF competitions.

“I do not see why you do not compete in international tournaments! You have a competitive league with abundant talent. I wish three or four of your players were on my team, Oman would be very far in beach soccer,” Hilal, who is also head coach of the beach soccer team in Oman said.

Beach soccer is a five-a-side version of football with a FIFA World Cup and world championship events. A total of 45 Ugandan officials were trained to handle the game.