St Mary’s Kitende, St Noa Girls to represent Uganda at CECAFA Zonal Schools Qualifiers December

By Emmanuel Sekago

St Mary’s Kitende and St Noa Girls have earned the prestigious honor of representing Uganda at the CECAFA Zonal Schools Qualifiers, scheduled to take place from December 2nd to 8th, 2024, in Tanzania. Both schools secured their spots after clinching the CAF Schools Qualifiers held at Teso College – Aloet.

Both Kitende’s and St Noa Girls’ football teams displayed exceptional performance throughout the national qualifiers, earning their place in the regional tournament. This achievement adds to their rich legacy in school sports, as they continue to excel in both local and international competitions. St Mary’s Kitende will represent Uganda in the boys’ category, while debutants St Noa Girls will compete in the girls’ category.

As they prepare for the CECAFA Zonal Schools Qualifiers, both teams aim to uphold Uganda’s flag and compete for top honors against some of the best school teams from East and Central Africa. This tournament will offer a crucial opportunity for young talents to gain exposure on a larger stage, with the hopes of advancing to higher levels of football.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship is Africa’s largest youth football competition. It is conducted in three phases: the National Phase, the Zonal Phase (hosted by CAF’s Zonal Unions), and the Continental Phase, organized by CAF in partnership with a selected Zonal Union and Member Association.

For the 2024-2025 season, the National Phase is expected to run until October 1st, 2024, to align with school calendars across Africa. Uganda’s USSSA calendar concluded on Friday, September 6th, 2024, at Teso College – Aloet. Teams that qualify from the National Phase will proceed to the Zonal Phase, confirmed to take place between November and December 2024 across CAF’s six Zonal Unions. The Continental Phase, which will crown the champions of the third edition of the innovative youth football competition, is scheduled between April and May 2025.

In an interview with Wallnetnews, Ronald Mulajje, the games teacher at St Mary’s Kitende, shared insights into Kitende’s early preparations and focus for the upcoming qualifiers. He emphasized the importance of being well-prepared and maintaining a competitive edge.

William Ssetumbwe, the games teacher at St Noa Girls School, also spoke to Wallnetnews, highlighting their team’s preparation strategy as they gear up for their debut on the regional stage. He expressed confidence that St Noa Girls is ready to make a strong impression in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers.

Both teams are now focused on intensive preparations, with the goal of making Uganda proud at the tournament and advancing further in the CAF African Schools Football Championship.