St Mary’s Kitende retain 21st USSSA Wakiso Netball title after tactical masterstroke against Buddo

By Emmanuel Sekago

St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende once again proved their dominance in school netball after retaining the USSSA Wakiso District Ball Games II Netball trophy, defeating rivals Buddo Secondary School 27-26 in a thrilling final played at Mwerere Stadium on Friday.

The Kitende sports powerhouse stunned the netball fraternity with a surprise tactical change that saw Delayi Naboa, who had been playing as a Goal Attacker, deployed as Goal Keeper for the decisive final match. The bold move by head coach Nourideen Kato proved effective as Kitende managed to contain Buddo’s attacking threat and secure their 21st Wakiso district netball crown.

The highly anticipated final lived up to expectations as two of Wakiso’s biggest netball giants battled for supremacy. Both teams showed quality, determination and tactical discipline, with neither side willing to give away an advantage.

After a fiercely contested normal playing time, the match ended 18-18, forcing the two teams into extra time. Kitende eventually found the winning formula, edging Buddo 27-26 to lift the trophy once again.

Kitende’s attacking department was led by Goal Shooter Angelin Nyemoko and Goal Attacker Haddijja Basalirwa, who converted crucial opportunities and ensured their team stayed ahead. In the middle of the court, Fatuma Namwanje played a key role in controlling possession and delivering accurate passes to the shooters.

The defensive unit, marshalled by captain Teopista Acheng at Goal Defence and Scovia Nabuyondo at Wing Defence, worked tirelessly to limit Buddo’s attacking options, while Naboa’s unexpected role at Goal Keeper became one of the biggest talking points of the final.

The tactical decision from coach Kato helped Kitende neutralize Buddo’s forwards and execute their game plan successfully.

Speaking to Wallnetnews Digital, St Mary’s Kitende captain Teopista Acheng expressed her excitement after guiding the team to their 21st USSSA Wakiso district title, especially ahead of the school’s Silver Jubilee celebrations on July 4th, 2026.

Coach Nourideen Kato also explained the reasoning behind the tactical switch, praising Delayi Naboa’s versatility and commitment throughout the tournament. He said the player had earlier featured as Wing Attacker during the preliminaries before being trusted with the Goal Keeper role in the final, a decision that surprised many but delivered the desired result.

The victory continues St Mary’s Kitende’s remarkable legacy in school netball and strengthens their reputation as one of Uganda’s most successful sporting institutions.

The tournament served as a qualifier for the Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) Ball Games II National Championship scheduled for July 8-18, 2026 at Sacred Heart Secondary School in Gulu City.

Kitende reached the final after defeating St Noa Girls 26-22 in the semi-finals, while Buddo booked their place after overcoming Kawanda Secondary School 22-18.

Meanwhile, all eight qualifying schools will represent Wakiso at the national championship. They include St Mary’s Kitende, Buddo Secondary School, St Noa Girls, Kawanda Secondary School, Greenlight Islamic, Kisozi High School, Light College and Kajjansi Progressive.

With another district title secured, all eyes now turn to Gulu as St Mary’s -Kitende begins preparations to reclaim their reputation on the national stage.