Teso Progressive Academy prepares for National Ball Games Two U-16 with determination

By Emmanuel Sekago

Teso Progressive Academy (TEPA), a school based in Ngora district, has qualified among 61 boys’ schools for the National Ball Games Two (Non-FEASSA Qualifiers).

The event is set to take place at Teso College-Aloet in Soroti City from September 1st to 9th, 2024.

With a reputation for being the underdogs, TEPA is preparing to showcase the talent from the Teso region, especially Ngora district, and make a significant impact on the national stage.

The administration at TEPA is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring their boys are well-prepared for the competition. Head Coach Julius Ogwanga, a former star player for KCCA and Express, is leading the charge.

Known for his strategic mind and thorough approach, Ogwanga is determined to prove that Teso is a breeding ground for football talent.

During a surprise visit to the school’s training ground at 5 PM in Ngora, Wallnetnews observed Coach Ogwanga diligently working with the U16 team, focusing on notes and drills.

In an interview, Ogwanga expressed his confidence and ambition for the upcoming tournament. “Teso College-Aloet is going to become a venue of slaughtering big schools in football,” he said with a smile. “TEPA is a well-followed school in the Teso zone, especially in competitions, similar to Amus College School.”

Ogwang emphasized the importance of not underestimating TEPA. He cited the school’s strong performance in the qualifiers held in Serere district, where they challenged powerhouse schools like Amus College School, Bukedea Comprehensive School, and Wiggins.

These matches demonstrated TEPA’s resilience and potential, making them a formidable contender in the upcoming games.

Coach Ogwanga also expressed concerns about the verification process by the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA).

He urged officials to not only check documents but also consider the physical appearance of the players to confirm they are truly under 16.

This measure, he believes, will ensure a fair competition.

When discussing potential matchups, Ogwanga humorously noted his hope to avoid being grouped with giants like Amus College School and Kibuli Secondary School in the initial stages, preferring to face them in the knockout rounds.

He acknowledged their strengths, especially Amus College School’s prowess in youth football, but remained confident in his team’s abilities.

TEPA is not the only school bringing serious competition to the National Ball Games Two.

Schools from the Luweero zone, such as Standard High School-Ndejje Campus and Ndejje Secondary School, are also considered formidable opponents.

These schools have a reputation for being “silent weapons” in the tournament, adding to the anticipation and excitement.

Meanwhile, with the National Ball Games Two approaching, Teso Progressive Academy is gearing up for a spirited competition.

Under the guidance of Coach Julius Ogwanga, the team is set to challenge the status quo and make a name for themselves on the national stage.

As the games draw closer, the football community is eager to see if TEPA will live up to the hype and potentially become the talk of the tournament.

The stage is set for Teso College-Aloet to be ablaze with talent and fierce competition.

Qualified School U-16 football;

Boys; Bukedea Comprehensive School, Starlight secondary school, Halcyon High School, Ngora High School, Wiggins secondary school, Atiira Seed School, Teso Progressive Academy, Amus college school, Pigire Secondary School, Amuria Secondary School, Light Secondary School, Mayanga Seed School, St John Secondary School-Nyabwina, Al Noor Islamic secondary school, Five Star High school, Cream Land High School, Goods Sherphed High School, Unique High School, Mbarara High school, Muntuyera High School, Kagamba Secondary school, Kyamate Secondary school, Buddo secondary school, Kyadondo Secondary school, Aiden College Ndejje, Standard High School -Zana, St James High school-Buddo, St Banabas High School-Migadde, Kizito High School -Buddo, Green Light Islamic secondary school, Light High school-Seguku, London College Nansana,Mbogo Mixed secondary school, St Charlse Lwanga International school, Zana mixed secondary school-Wakiso, Kameke secondary school, MM College Wairaka, Kiira College Butiki, Busoga college -Mwiiri, Standard High -Ndejje campus, Ndejje secondary school, Royal Giant high school, Kisozi Seed school, Bishop Conboni College, Kashenyi secondary school, Nyamweru seed school, St Marys College Rushoroza, Nyabitete secondary school, Nyamakanda secondary school, Bebisoni seed school, Fort Portal secondary school, St Leos College Kyegobe, Divine Mercy secondary school, Kibuli secondary school, St Janan Luwum Secondary school -Kabalagala, St Andrews Gombe High School, Mengo senior secondary school and Kakungulu memorial school.

Girls; Amus College School, Bukedea Comprehensive School, Halcyon Serere, Kandugulu Secondary School, Kanyumu Comprehensive School, Isingiro Secondary School, Sheema Girls School, Bweranyangi Girls School, Kashaka Girls School, Boni Consilii Girls School, Standard High School Zzana, Wampeewo Ntake Secondary School, Trinity College Nabbingo, Tororo Girls School, Bunya Secondary School, Kalongo Seed, Amazing Grace, Highway Ss- Kiganda, Shammah High School, Immaculate Heart Girls, Bishop Comboni College, Kashenyi Secondary School, Nkoma Secondary School, Kawempe Muslim Ss and Highland Secondary School- Kisaasi