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FUFA President Hon.Engineer Moses Magogo is seen asddressing the The Sand Cranes.
By Sabiiti Muwanga
Despite being drawn in what should be viewed as the group of death in the AFCON Beach Soccer finals, the Uganda team, The Sand Cranes, flew out last night (Tuesday) in bouyant mood with a vow to do better than they did in the last outing.
A delegation of 21 comprising 12 players and nine officials was seen off at FUFA House by the local soccer federation boss Eng. Moses Hashim Magogo.
FUFA President Hon.Engineer Moses Magogo is seen posing with the The Sand Cranes.
“Our target is to reach the final. We we’re beaten at the semifinal stage at the last outing but this time we want to do better,” skipper Baker Lukooya told KMA Updates in an exclusive interview.
The Sand Cranes are drawn in the same group alongside champions Senegal, perennial contenders Egypt and Madagascar in the seven-team tournament after Nigeria pulled out at the last hour.
“We are aware of the pedigree Senegal and Egypt have but we are not scared. We are much better prepared for the event than ever before. The team’s technical side is led by Swiss coach Angelo Schrinzi.
While seeing the team off, Magogo reiterated government’s commitment to Beach Soccer and reminded that government is now in charge of all the national teams under FUFA. Even then, he did not fall short of reminding the players and officials of the Beach Soccer journey.
“Just remember where we started off from,” Magogo recalled. “We were playing something similar to Beach Soccer but now we looking at the big prize,” he added.
Magogo, who is also represents Budiope East in the national assembly said keeping the team in camp for more than a month and improving the technical bench are all evidence of his administration’s commitment to the game.
He however cautioned them about dreaming about the World Cup.
“Let’s not focus so much on the World Cup, but put in hard work. Hard work will take us to the World Cup,” he counselled.
Even though he sees a very big improvement in the team, coach Schrinzi asked the players not to put themselves under pressure.
The delegation has one female Sharon Nalunga among the officials.
All Photos by FUFA Media