Postponed USSSA Girls’ Football Quarter Finals: Schools seek clarity after National U17 Women’s team ends campaign

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Uganda national U17 women’s football team has concluded its international assignments, narrowly missing out on advancing further after Zambia progressed on an aggregate score of 2-1.

While the national team’s efforts have been commendable, the impact of their international commitments has left a significant mark on local competitions.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) had earlier mandated the suspension of the Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) girls’ football quarter-final matches in Ndejje to allow summoned players to participate in national duty.

The forced suspension of the quarter-final matches caused considerable disruption for the participating schools. These institutions had meticulously prepared their teams and cleared all necessary participation fees, anticipating a smooth progression through the tournament.

The abrupt halt not only disrupted their schedules but also raised concerns about the continuity and integrity of the competition.

Looking at Financial and Logistical Challenges, Schools that had invested in travel, accommodation, and other logistical arrangements are now facing additional financial burdens due to the delay.

The postponement has also created uncertainty regarding future planning, as schools need to reschedule their activities around the new dates for the quarter-finals. The lack of communication about the rescheduled matches has exacerbated these challenges, leaving schools in a state of limbo.

Need for Urgent Communication from FUFA, With the national U17 women’s team’s campaign concluded, schools are eagerly awaiting information on when the quarter-final matches will be played.

It is imperative for FUFA to provide urgent communication regarding the rescheduling of these matches. Prompt and clear information will help alleviate the concerns of the schools, allowing them to make the necessary arrangements to continue participating in the tournament.

FUFA holds the responsibility to ensure that the suspended matches are rescheduled in a timely manner. This is crucial not only for maintaining the integrity of the USSSA competition but also for upholding the commitments made to the participating schools and players.

The young athletes, who have shown dedication and passion for the sport, deserve the opportunity to compete and showcase their talents without undue delays.

The conclusion of the Uganda national U17 women’s team’s international assignments brings a timely opportunity for FUFA to address the pending issue of the suspended USSSA girls’ football quarter-final matches.

Schools that have reached this stage of the competition are in urgent need of communication regarding the rescheduled dates. FUFA must take swift action to provide clarity and support, ensuring that the tournament can proceed smoothly and fairly.

This will not only restore confidence among the schools but also reinforce the importance of balancing national and grassroots sports commitments in Uganda.