Mubs fight off Mutesa to win beach soccer trophy

Mubs’ player Elvis Kasujja closes down Julius Rulinda of Mutesa 1 during the finals of the National Beach Soccer on Sunday. Looking on is Primo Kimera PHOTO BY I. KEZAALA

KAMPALA- Pedigree and nerves of steel bailed out record champions Mubs when they were put to the sword by a determined Mutesa in the national beach soccer final played on Sunday at Lido beach Entebbe.
After drawing 6-6 in normal time, Mubs showed superiority to win 8-2 in extra time to win their third league title under coach Charles ‘Mbuzi’ Ayeikho.

“We won the trophy because we had a balanced team of youth and the aged. Mutesa had the best team in the league but lacked experience to handle the big moment,” Ayeikho told Daily Monitor.

It was Mubs’ 33-goal hero Ben ochen who rose to the occasion by netting a brace followed by double strikes from Isma Kawawulo and Elvis Kasujja plus an own goal by Primo Kimera to grant the university side deserved victory.
Julius Rulinda (2), Kimera (2) Paul Lule (1) and Paul Kato (1) scored for Mutesa as their coach Tony Ssebagala blamed the hurting defeat on poor officiating.
Ayeikho noted that the beach soccer league is making giant strides manifested in the respectable scores posted in the final.

“In years gone by, the final score could be 16-2 but winning by only two goals in extra time shows you how the gap between the bid and lesser teams has narrowed over time,” he added.
He credits the spirited performance of his skipper Kasujja in defence and Ocen’s clinical finishing for the third title.

Mubs’ next step, Ayeikho lifts the lid, will be competing in the inaugural East African championship set for later this year after cementing their dominance on the local front.
Muteesa ‘B’ trounced colleagues Muteesa ‘A’ 3-2 to win the Women National Beach Soccer league.

NATIONAL BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE FINAL
Mubs 8-6 Mutesa
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Top scorer: Benson Ocen (Mubs, 33 goals)
MVP (Men): Paul Lule (Mutesa)
MVP (Women): Habiba Nakayobyo (Mutesa)
Fair play (Men): YMCA
Fair play (Women): Entebbe Ladies
Best Goalkeeper: N. Lwamunda (Mutesa)
Best Coach (Men): T. Ssebagala (Mutesa)
Best coach (Women): H. Luboyeera (Mutesa)
Best Print Media: Denis Bbosa (Daily Monitor)
Best Online Media: David Isabirye (Kawowo)
Best TV Media: Uthuman Ssempebwa (UBC)
PAST WINNERS
2017: MUBS
2016: Nkumba Select
2015: MUBS
2014: Kira Young
2013: St. Lawrence
2012: MUBS
2011:Kabalagala Rangers