Ngora, Uganda: Buddo Secondary School were crowned winners of the 2025 USSSA National Boys football championship after edging rivals St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Wednesday at Ngora High School Grounds.
Both Buddo SS and St Mary’s Kitende displayed tactical discipline and defensive solidity, but neither side could break the deadlock despite open chances falling either sides, and the shootouts proved to be the decider of this year’s football championship.
Buddo, who throughout the tournament exhibited a resounding flair of free-flowing football, maintained their composure under pressure and converted six of their spot-kicks against Kitende’s five, sparking wild celebrations from players, fans, and school officials.
It was Santos Agok who missed his kick when Buddo’s goalkeeper Owen Walugembe dived to his left to push out the ball, before Ronald Ssegirinya netting the winner to ignite wild celebrations.
Road to the Final
The Champions, Buddo SS, under head coach Richard Malinga, showcased resilience and skill throughout the knockout stages, beating Wisdom High School 3-1 in the Round of 16 and Uganda Martyrs High School 1-0 in the quarters.
In the semifinals, Buddo SS edged Bukedea Comprehensive School 5-4 on penalties to set up a Wakiso derby with St Mary’s Kitende, who sailed through to the final after the expulsion of JIPRA on Tuesday.
The grand finale was graced by the Minister of State for Sports and Ngariam County MP, Hon. Peter Ogwang, who praised the teams for their dedication and the high level of competition, highlighting the importance of such tournaments in nurturing young talent in Uganda.
The showdown between Uganda’s two top footballing schools drew wide attention, with both sides coached by notable tacticians, a former Cranes International Richard Malinga for Buddo SS, and Hassan Zungu for Kitende.
How both teams started
Buddo SS XI: Edirisa Waibi (GK), Ibrahim Waligo, Ronald Mukasa Ssegirinya, Lutalo Sepiriya, Dickson Barasa (Captain), Roy Olala, Geoffrey Nyonyintono, Akram Musiitwa, Abasa Kisambira, Owen Mukisa, Mushin Kizito
Subs: Owen Walugembe, Martin Nsimbe, Martin Bate, Shakur Babi, Aron Okello, Umar Katamba, Yunus Vubya, Stephen Kandaruku, Tom Ssesazi
St Mary’s Kitende XI: Rodgers Obale (GK), Isaac Ntambi, Collins Ocatre, Ronald Kigoye, Simon Mukisa (Captain), Jamal Ssemwogerere, Claude Wakenge, Ashraf Kyakuwa, Arafat Nkola, Denis Kisiriko, Bitwaiki Bahati
Subs: Siraje Etuta, Hassan Ssesanga, Abasi Ssebagala, Leonard Kasanya, Farouk Tumwesigye, Jahid Mwondha
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