St. Lawrence University’s dominance in the Beach Soccer League continued on Sunday, June 30, as they successfully defended their title at the FUFA technical center as the 2023–24 season climaxed in Njeru.
The Saints defeated Kampala City 4-3 in the final to win their fifth consecutive league crown but sixth in total, following triumphs in 2014, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Baker Lukooya led the team’s chase with a brace, and strikes from Brian Nkuubi Semakula and Joshua Letti Lubwama sealed the title for St. Lawrence (SLAU).
Lukooya opened the scoring for the Saints just seconds into the first period. Before even the sand settled, the forward doubled the advantage for his side to throw Kampala City into a valley of no return. Brian Nkuubi then made it 3-0 for St. Lawrence before the first break.
Kampala City waited for the second period to wake up from their slumber. Talisman Paul Lule found the breakthrough for the Ivan Kulika-coached side as he scored a brace to reduce the deficit, but they allowed Lubwama to arrow in the fourth goal for SLAU, which proved to be the match winner.
The Ab’emikwano looked like they would plot a comeback when Ambrose Kigozi struck to put the scores at 4-3 during the second period, but it was merely false hope.
Despite raising the tempo of their game and putting St. Lawrence on the edge as the game progressed, the third period produced no goal to force Kampala City to settle for the silver medals.
En route to the final, St. Lawrence outclassed Buganda Royal 5-1, while Kampala City defeated Mutoola 6-4 in the semi-final phase.
Mutoola won the bronze medals after beating Buganda Royal 5-3 in the third-place play-off, while their star player Steven Nyalimo was named the competition’s most valuable player (MVP).
Edward Kasibante of Buganda Royal received the best goalkeeper award, while MS Sand Lions won the fair play award.
St. Lawrence’s Davis Nono was the best coach of the season, but Kampala City’s Paul Lule was the top scorer with 47 goals.
Individual Awards
MVP: Steven Nyalimo (Mutoola)
Top scorer: Paul Lule (Kampala City)
Best goalkeeper: Edward Kasibante (Buganda Royal)
Best Coach: Davis Nono (St. Lawrence)
Fair Play Team: MS Sand Lions