Uganda national beach soccer team (Sand Cranes) new head coach Angelo Schirinzi has today been officially unveiled.
The experienced coach was recently confirmed following a decision by the 27th FUFA Executive Committee meeting.
FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim unveiled the coach in an event held at FUFA Complex, Mengo. He was in the company of FUFA Executive Committee Member, Ronnie Kalema, Uganda Beach Soccer Assassination(UBSA) Chairman Deo Mutabazi and FUFA Deputy CEO-Football, Decolas Kiiza.
FUFA President indicated the Federation has been strategic in helping the game develop and believes the new coach will help to take Uganda a step further.
“The game has made huge strides since its inception in 2019. From just being a mere recreation sport we were able to form the Association, create a league that helped us to get a formidable team,” he started.
“At the start, the Sand Cranes competed in regional tournaments, we then decided to participate in the AFCON Qualifiers and on our first attempt, we did not qualify. There was improvement in the second attempt, we qualified and played all the way to the semifinals.” He explained.
“It is now time to take another step. The new coach has vast experience having played and coached the game at the highest level. He is a FIFA Instructor and we believe we will improve our team.”
The President also revealed that besides coaching the national team, Schirinzi will also equip local beach soccer coaches with knowledge.
“The coach is a FIFA Instructor and besides coaching the national team, we will arrange for him to have engagements with our local coaches and equip them with more knowledge.” He indicated.
In his remarks, coach Schirinzi expressed his delight in the new role and hopes to help the team perform.
“I am exceedingly excited to be here and work with the Uganda Sand Cranes. I believe this is an opportunity for me to extend my knowledge to Uganda and help the game of beach soccer grow in the country.”
“I have been in the game for several years and I believe Uganda is moving in the right direction. Playing at Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations for the first time reaching the semifinals means there is potential here.” The coach said.
The first task for coach Schirinzi will come in the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship in Durban, South Africa between 25th September -1st October 2022.
The Sand Cranes will then shift focus to the 2022 Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations due next month in Mozambique.
*Credit: FUFA media.
