Jonathan Mugisha vows to work hard after Sand Cranes call-up

Standard High School Zana player Jonathan Mugisha says he is ready to work hard and prove himself after earning a place in Uganda’s final Sand Cranes squad for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Mugisha, who plays in the USSSA Weekend Beach Soccer League, is the only player from the secondary school competition in the 18-man squad.

“I am very happy to have made the final team. The Weekend League gave me the opportunity to play regularly and show what I can do,” Mugisha said.

“Being called to the Sand Cranes camp was a big opportunity, and making the final squad is something I am very proud of.”

The youngster said he wants to make the most of the chance and help Uganda qualify for the continental finals.

“I know this is a big opportunity for me, and I want to work hard, learn from the experienced players and give my best whenever I am given a chance to play,” he said.

“I want to help the team qualify for the AFCON finals and also show other young players that school football can take you to the national team.”

Mugisha was among the players spotted through the USSSA Weekend Beach Soccer League and invited to the Sand Cranes training camp.

The league was launched on June 7 at Bambo Beach Soccer Gardens in Kasanje to give school players regular competition and a route to higher levels of the game.

His selection is one of the first signs of that pathway in action, linking school beach soccer to national team opportunities.

The Sand Cranes are preparing for a two-legged second-round AFCON qualifier against Burundi.

Uganda will play the first leg away on October 10 before hosting the return leg at Bamboo Beach on October 18. The winner on aggregate will qualify for the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON finals in Senegal.

Uganda received a bye in the first round and will join the competition in the second round.

Co-coaches Geofrey Akabwai and Rica Byaruhanga have selected 18 players, including 17 from the Beach Soccer League and Mugisha from the Secondary School League.

The squad has three goalkeepers, 12 midfielders and three forwards.

Rogers Omedwa of Kampala City BSC, Hillary Innocent Ayebale of MUBS BSC and Samson Kirya of Mutoola BSC are the goalkeepers.

The midfield includes Sharif Opuli and Hassan Luboyera of Kampala City BSC, Sharif Lubega and Jonathan Kikonyogo of SLAU BSC, Paul Lule of Buganda Royal BSC, Deus Turyamuhaki of MUBS BSC, Peter Mukwata of Mutoola BSC, Martin Kikambi of SLAU and Charles Batibwe of Ntungasazi.

Godfrey Edweu and Ambrose Kigozi of Kampala City BSC, Joseph Ssendi of Buganda Royal, Wirrock Joe Mbabazi of MUBS BSC and Steven Nyalimo of Mutoola BSC are the attacking options.

The team is holding a residential camp at Bunjako Beach in Buwama, Mpigi District.

Squad

Category 1 – League Players

Goalkeepers: Rogers Omedwa (Kampala City BSC), Hillary Innocent Ayebale (MUBS BSC) and Samson Kirya (Mutoola BSC).

Midfielders: Sharif Opuli (Kampala City BSC), Sharif Lubega (SLAU BSC), Hassan Luboyera (Kampala City BSC), Paul Lule (Buganda Royal BSC), Jonathan Kikonyogo (SLAU BSC), Deus Turyamuhaki (MUBS BSC), Peter Mukwata (Mutoola BSC), Martin Kikambi (SLAU) and Charles Batibwe (Ntungasazi).

Forwards: Godfrey Edweu (Kampala City BSC), Joseph Ssendi (Buganda Royal), Wirrock Joe Mbabazi (MUBS BSC), Ambrose Kigozi (Kampala City BSC) and Steven Nyalimo (Mutoola BSC).

Category 2 – Secondary School League Players

Jonathan Mugisha (Standard High School Zana).