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St. Kagwa head teacher PK Kamugisha joins the players to cerebrate the title
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By Our Reporter
USSSA Ankole Zone – Selected Results
Semifinals
Final
Four school football teams have qualified to represent the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Ankole zone at this year's edition of the national boys' football championship, scheduled to take place in Ngora next month.
The four qualifying teams are St Kagwa Bushenyi High School—who won the zonal championship following a 1–0 victory over St John Fisher Ibanda SS—along with the two finalists, Nyamitanga SS and Kicwamba High School. These teams will represent the Ankole zone at the national championship, set for May 5–13 at Ngora High School.
A St. Kagwa player (yellow) goes over an opponent in a challenge for the ball
St Kagwa overcame a 14-year jinx to finally clinch the boys' football title after several failed attempts to reach the podium. The Bushenyi champions celebrated their historic win in front of a packed crowd at Bushenyi Main Grounds, where hundreds of spectators gathered to witness the final.
Darius Nyesiga's decisive goal—a first-half header—made all the difference, ensuring the Bushenyi-based side secured their first-ever title after 14 years of unsuccessful attempts.
An Ibanda SS player (white) challenges a St. Kagwa opponent in the USSSA Ankole zone Boys football championship final
Before this victory, St Kagwa had endured several heartbreaking campaigns since the schools' sports competitions were reorganized into zonal formats in 2011, where successful teams qualify to represent one of the 19 zones at the national championships.
However, Sunday's victory defied expectations, with Collins Agaba's coached side finally triumphing—fittingly, in front of their home fans.
"We are grateful that what we have been working hard for has finally come home. We thank the boys for the good fight. We’re happy that their discipline and hard work have paid off, and we shall continue supporting and guiding them," said school head teacher Kananga Kamugisha.
Commissioner Dundans Mugumya hands the trophy to St. Kagwa headteacher and captain
The five-day event, hosted in Bushenyi and featuring 64 teams, saw record winners Ryakasinga CHE eliminated in the group stages for the first time in 14 years. Other strong contenders—including Al Noor Islamic, Buremba SS, Nyabubare, Mbarara High, Ntare School, St Joseph’s Vocational School, Nganwa High School, and defending champions Welden School—were also knocked out and will not participate at the national level.
There were numerous petitions over ineligible players, despite a strict screening process. As a result, six schools were disqualified from the tournament.
The event concluded with a closing and award ceremony presided over by Rev. Can. Duncans Mugumya, Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports (PES), who issued a stern warning to school administrators regarding the issue of ineligibility in school sports.
Torch Media Africa
