St. Mary’s Kitende won their 11th title to join Kibuli as record winners of all time.
Habib Oloya scored the lone winner as St. Mary’s Kitende beat St. Henry’s Kitovu to win the 2023 USSSA National Schools Boys’ Football Championship held in Nyakasura, Fort Portal.
The Kitende side had lost to Kitovu 2-1 in the pools for their only loss so far but was determined when it mattered most as they scooped the trophy for keeps after winning it three times in a row for the third time.
Samuel Lukooye, who started ahead of Olimi Nyara in the final, almost gave the Wakiso side the lead after just a minute from a long-range shot which Marvin Ssebirango saved in Kitovu’s goal.
Abubaker Walusimbi also had a chance of his own a minute later after Denis Dramuke failed to clear the ball, but his shot skewed wide.
Kitovu as well had their chance early in the 4th minute through Collins Ocatre but the striker failed to concentrate.
Lukooye had another chance hit the crossbar with his cross but they found their right footing in the 23rd minute.
Justine Opiro sent one of his long trademark throw-ins to find Oloya, who headed in for the winner.
Kitende managed the remaining of games with possession and then resorted to medical breaks to slow down and frustrate SHACK.
Kitende previously won the trophy in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022.
SMASK, SHACK, Royal Giants will represent Uganda in the East Africa games while Kibuli SS will go as the defending champions.
Line Ups
SMASK XI: Allan Batali (GK), Justine Opiro, Derrick Kato, Simon Mukisa, Ronald Madoi, Frank Katongole, Abubaker Walusimbi, Samuel Lukoye, Patrick Ssekyanzi, Habib Oloya, Abdul Nsereko.
SUBS: Rwatib Gulanyago, Hakim Mutebi, Derrick Kaija, Keneth Luguya, Marvin Mukiibi, Nyarwa Olimi, Fred Muhanguzi.
SHACK XI: Marvin Ssebirago (GK), Collins Ocatre, Ronald Mutasiga, Paul Mulindwa, Khalid Izale, Innocent Kisolo, Denish Dramuke, Godfrey Ssekibengo, Reagan Ssekisambu, Jonathan Bugembe, Lawrence Walakira.
SUBS: Marvin Lubega, Jalidine Njagala, Shakib Kalema, Alfred Ejoyi, Samuel Okullo, Ashiraf Kibungo.
Fort Porto 2023 USSSA National Schools Football Boys’ Championship – results
Final: St. Mary’s Kitende 1-0 St. Henry’s Kitovu
3rd Place playoffs: Amus College 2-4 Royal Giants
Individual Awards:
MVP- Allan Oyirwoth (AMUS College)
The overall most outstanding player of the tournament was lethal forward Allan Oyirwoth, a student at Amus College School.
Oyirwoth carried forward the Amus College School team, with odd assists and goals.
He was the leader of the team upfront and his experienced pushed them through the group stages, round of 16 and quarter finals before bowing out to St Mary’s Kitende in the semi-finals.
Top Scorer – Abdul Nsereko – (SMASK)
With 11 goals to his name, Abdulnoor Nsereko of champions St Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende finished as top scorer to scoop the tournament golden boot.
Endowed with deep runs from center midfield, Nsereko, also a player at Uganda Police Football Club in the StarTimes FUFA Big finished to the back of the net in all styles; headers, low drives, tap-ins, distant shots and rebounds.
Best Goal keeper – Kamya Shamuran (Royal Giants)
The tournament best goalkeeper’s golden gloves were deservedly given to Shamulan Kamya of Royal Giant High School, Mityana.
Kamya was a leader for the team from the back. He made darling pin-point saves with quick enviable reflexes. He controlled the tempo of the game at all times.
A squad player at Soltilo Bright Stars in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, Kamya is part of the reasons why Royal Giant High School finished third in the tournament to take home bronze.
All-time winners of the USSSA Football Boys’ Championship;
Kibuli SS – 1989,1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2005, 2014 & 2016
St Mary’s SS Kitende – 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2022 & 2023
Full list of previous winners
- 2023: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2022: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2021: Not played due to COVID-19 Pandemic
- 2020: Not played due to COVID-19 Pandemic
- 2019: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2018: Buddo SS
- 2017: Jinja SS
- 2016: Kibuli SS
- 2015: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2014: Kibuli SS
- 2013: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2012: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2011: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2010: Bp Nankyama SS
- 2009: Buddo SS
- 2008: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2007: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2006: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2005: Kibuli SS
- 2004: St. Mary’s SS Kitende
- 2003: Old Kampala SS
- 2002: Naggalama Islamic SS
- 2001: Ngabo Academy
- 2000: Kibuli SS
- 1999: Old Kampala SS
- 1998: Kibuli SS
- 1997: St. Leo’s Kyegobe
- 1996: Kibuli SS
- 1995: Kibuli SS
- 1994: Lubiri SS
- 1993: Kibuli SS
- 1992: Kibuli SS
- 1991: Kibuli SS
- 1990: Kololo SS
- 1989: Kibuli SS
- 1988: Kololo SS
- 1987: Kololo SS
- 1986: Kololo SS
