Nairobi, Kenya| Kenya’s national beach soccer team has departed for Uganda for a series of friendly matches as part of their preparation for the inaugural Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Beach Soccer Championship.
The competition is set to be hosted in Kenya later this year, marking a significant milestone in the development of beach soccer in the region.
Building Team Experience and Exposure
Speaking before the team’s departure, Team Manager Billy Mwangemi expressed confidence that the Ugandan tour would be instrumental in sharpening the players’ skills and providing them with valuable international exposure.
He emphasized that these matches would serve as a crucial platform for evaluating players’ capabilities, ensuring that the national team fields a competitive squad in the upcoming CECAFA tournament.
“This tour will not only give our players the exposure they need but will also enhance their chances of securing spots in the final squad representing Kenya. Friendly matches of this nature are vital for building team chemistry and improving technical skills,” Mwangemi stated.
Beyond the sporting aspect, Mwangemi highlighted the broader benefits of beach soccer, describing it as a powerful tool for youth empowerment.
He noted that engaging young people in the sport could help combat issues such as illicit drug abuse while simultaneously creating economic opportunities for them through international tournaments and potential professional careers.
Support from Kilifi County and Infrastructure Development
Mwangemi also acknowledged the significant role played by Kilifi County in supporting beach soccer.
He praised the county government’s investment in sports infrastructure, particularly the construction of the Malindi Buntwani Waterfront Park Beach Soccer Arena.
The state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in East and Central Africa and is expected to be a key venue for the upcoming CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship.
“This ultra-modern facility is a major step forward for beach soccer in Kenya and the region. We are grateful to the Kilifi County government for recognizing the potential of this sport and investing in its growth,” he said.
Calls for More Investment in Beach Soccer
Local leaders and sports stakeholders are now calling for increased investment in beach soccer.
Shella Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Twahir Abdulrahman reiterated that sports can play a crucial role in keeping young people away from crime and substance abuse.
“This stadium is a game changer for our youth. It is crucial for the Ministry of Sports to consider building at least two more beach soccer arenas in different coastal towns. Such facilities will not only promote the sport but also enable Kenya to host international matches in the future,” Abdulrahman remarked.
With Kenya set to host the first-ever CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship, the upcoming tournament presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s commitment to developing the sport.
Stakeholders are optimistic that with increased sponsorship and government backing, beach soccer will gain traction and open doors for Kenyan players on the global stage.
As the national team embarks on this preparatory tour in Uganda, all eyes will be on their performance, with hopes high that they will return stronger and ready to compete at the continental level.
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