Written By |
St Leo's Kyegobe returns to USSSA boys' football championship after 13 years
Search
By Our Reporter
St. Leo’s College Kyegobe is back on the national schools' football stage, qualifying for the USSSA Boys’ Championship after a 13-year absence. The Lions of Kabarole secured their spot by finishing as runners-up to Fort Portal SS in the Rwenzori zone and will be among the teams competing when the championship kicks off on Monday in Ngora.
St Leo's Kyegobe returns to USSSA boys' football championship after 13 years
The 1997 champions—one of only two Western Uganda schools to have ever won the national title, alongside Ngabo Academy—last participated at the national level in 2013, when the tournament was held in Kabale. Their return marks the end of a long wait caused by various challenges.
Headteacher Trophy Atuhairwe attributed this long-awaited success to patience and hard work.
“We are happy as an institution that our planning and patience have paid off. We chose to build a team from within, rather than shop for talent, and that has taken us six years,” Atuhairwe said.
Reflecting on the school’s 1997 triumph, Atuhairwe added, “Winning the title for Western Uganda in such a prestigious competition remains etched in the school’s memory. We always draw inspiration from that victory. Our 1997 legacy keeps us motivated—right now, the focus is on qualifying and then planning how to reclaim that national title.”
St Leo's Kyegobe returns to USSSA boys' football championship after 13 years
He also pointed out that one of the school’s major challenges has been low enrollment numbers, which limit their pool of players—an issue that has contributed to the team’s extended absence from national competition.
St. Leo’s Kyegobe was originally administered by the Brothers of Christian Instruction. During their tenure, under the guidance of Fr. Cornelius Ryan, the school won the 1997 edition of the national championship held in Mbarara.
Following the championship draws conducted on Friday in Kampala, Kyegobe has been placed in Group K alongside Mumsa High Mityana, hosts Teso Progressive Academy, and Wisdom High School Akalo.
Past 10 USSSA Boys’ Football Champions:
Notable Champion:
Torch Media Africa
