Nagadya shines as Uganda Martyrs wins Beach Soccer tourney

Catherine Nagadya helped Uganda Martyrs High School WFC Lubaga to win the inaugural End of the Year 2021 Women Beach Soccer festival.

Uganda Martyrs beat Nansana Ladies (3-1) in the final, thanks to goals from captain Nabiirah Nakitto, Margret Namande, and Catherine Nagadya as Sharon Namatovu scored a consolation for Nansana

Nagadya, the 17-years-old who plays for the Crested Cranes (National women’s football senior team) was the threat of the day as every team was afraid to face her team at Mutoola Beach in Mukono. The S.4 student at Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga emerged the top scorer with nine goals and won herself the most valuable player’s accolade.

Catherine Nagadya of Uganda Martyrs in action

Nagadya says she has won stiff competitions before including; the annual Watoto Wasoka Christmas Camp, Sseninde Women Development Cup, Airtel Rising Stars (U-17), 2019 FUFA Women Cup, FEASSA Cup, U-17 COSAFA championship as well as the U-17 CECAFA title, but she had never been named MVP and a top scorer in her football career.

“This is incredible, being the top scorer, MVP and at the same time winning for my team the trophy. I had never witnessed this before and it’s a sign that 2022 is my year of blessings,” Nagadya said.

10 teams took part in this one-day tournament organised by the Uganda Beach Soccer Association (UBSA) Under Uganda Women Football Association (UWFA) with the major objective of gathering women beach soccer teams in preparation for the upcoming 2022 women beach soccer league.

Wilber Ssaka the chairman organizing committee said through this tourney they have gotten a clear picture for the resumption of the women's beach soccer league that was halted since 2015 due to financial constraints.

End of Year 2021 Women Beach Soccer Festival

Quarter finals

UMHSL 2-1 Talented Ladies

Prison Ladies 6-0 Mpaata Ladies

Ajax Queens 1-2 KJT

Nansana Ladies 3-2 She Maroons

Semi finals

KJT 1-2 UMHSL

Nansana Ladies 3-2 Prison Ladies

Final

UMHSL 3-1 Nansana Ladies