The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has announced the postponement of the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship, which was initially set to kick off from June 6 to 11, 2025.
The regional tournament will now take place a month later, from July 7 to 12, in Mombasa, Kenya.
The rescheduling was communicated by CECAFA Executive Director Auka Gecheo, who cited logistical and operational concerns as the primary reasons behind the decision.
In an official statement, Gecheo expressed regret over any inconvenience the adjustment may cause, emphasizing the organisation’s commitment to delivering a smooth and high-quality tournament.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this postponement may cause to your preparations and plans. Our intention remains to deliver a high-quality competition, and this adjustment will allow us to meet all necessary requirements for a smooth and memorable event,” he stated.
Following the postponement, Uganda’s national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, has temporarily halted its residential training camp.
The team had been in full preparations at the Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena in Kasanje since Sunday, May 25, 2025.
The pause in training is expected to be a short-term measure as the technical team re-evaluates its schedule in line with the new tournament dates.
The teams that had confirmed their participation in the tournament alongside Uganda include host nation Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Burundi, and guest teams Malawi and Seychelles.
Once held, the championship will be the first of its kind under the CECAFA umbrella, marking a significant step forward in the promotion of beach soccer within the East and Central African region.
