Uganda Sand Cranes co-head coach Akabwai Geofrey has expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations ahead of their two-legged Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 qualifier against Burundi.
The Sand Cranes are currently in a residential camp at Bunjako Beach in Buwama, Mpigi District, where the squad is undergoing intensive training as they prepare for the second round of the continental qualifiers.
Akabwai commended the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) for facilitating the players to report to camp and allowing the technical team to implement its training programme without interruptions.
“I’m happy as a coach that all the players were summoned. The Federation has enabled them to come here for the training sessions that we are going to have until the end of this week and part of next week,” Akabwai said.
The coach revealed that the players have responded positively to the programme, with the camp currently enjoying a clean bill of health.
“I’m happy that all the players are responding correctly and nicely in training. We don’t have any injuries so far, everything is good,” he added.
Uganda will travel to Burundi for the first leg on 10 October 2026, with the Sand Cranes looking to secure an advantage before the return fixture on 18 October.
The decisive second leg will be played at Bamboo Gardens, Kasanje, where Uganda will aim to complete the job on home soil and progress in the race for a place at the Beach Soccer AFCON in Senegal.
Akabwai has also appealed to Ugandan supporters to continue rallying behind the team, promising a strong performance in the first leg.
“For all the supporters that support the Sand Cranes, the Uganda Sand Cranes, I call upon you to support us and I can only wish you that I will promise you a win away from Uganda.”
Uganda received a bye in the first round of the Beach Soccer AFCON 2026 qualifiers and will therefore enter the competition at the second-round stage.
With the technical team encouraged by the players’ response in camp and no injuries reported, the Sand Cranes are now focused on translating their preparations into a positive result when they face Burundi away from home on October 10.
