Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Action between Mbarara High (blue) and Ntare school in the quarterfinals
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MBARARA
Encounters between Mbarara High School and Ntare School have always gone beyond the boundaries of football—they are a display of pride, dominance, and superiority both on and off the field.
For decades, this fixture has never been taken lightly in Mbarara’s school football history. Whenever the two sides meet, all stakeholders—including security personnel—remain on high alert to prevent any possible disturbances. Since organizers resolved to permanently host the boys’ football competitions at Mbarara Army Boarding School, located within the UPDF 2nd Division Headquarters in Makenke, improved order and discipline have been observed.
Action between Mbarara High (blue) and Ntare school in the quarterfinals
The Monday evening quarterfinal clash between the two rivals attracted large crowds from both sides. For the fourth time at the same venue, fans watched the game in close proximity but without any incidents, as the match progressed peacefully.
This calm environment has largely been attributed to the heavy security deployment by the UPDF at Makenke.
Even when both teams had a goal disallowed by the referee, the atmosphere remained composed—something that might have been different at the more open Kakyeka Stadium under similar circumstances.
Mbarara High School students cheering their team
It was the match of the day, featuring passionate support from both sides. The “Chaapa Bulls” of Mbarara High School, dressed in their signature white and blue, competed in spirited chants against Ntare School’s “Lions,” whose roars echoed across the venue in a bid to energize their team.
The game itself was tightly contested, with both sides playing cautiously to avoid costly mistakes. Regulation time ended in a goalless draw, with neither team able to break the deadlock.
Mbarara HS first team
The match was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. Ntare School successfully converted all five of their penalties, while Mbarara High School missed one of their attempts, resulting in a 5–4 victory for Ntare.
Celebrations erupted among the Kamukuzi-based side, led by their head teacher, Sam Rwampororo, who had attended all the day’s matches involving his school. Meanwhile, disappointment engulfed the Mbarara High camp.
Ntare School team
With the win, Ntare School advances to the semifinals scheduled for Tuesday, keeping their hopes of reaching the final alive.
Despite the loss, Mbarara High School is not out of contention. They remain among the eight teams set to represent Mbarara City at this year’s USSSA Ankole Zone Boys’ Football Championship, scheduled for April 14–19 at St. George’s PTC in Ibanda.
In another quarterfinal match, Welden School edged past their rivals Global Secondary School with a narrow 1–0 victory, moving a step closer to reclaiming a podium finish ahead of the semifinals and finals.
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