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The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) has called off the girls’ football competition at the ongoing USSSA Ball Games I national championship at Ndejje SS, Luwero.

The decision to halt the championship that was to enter the quarterfinal phase today Thursday, is due to the national U17 Teen Cranes’ world cup qualifier against Zambia due next week.

And according to USSSA CEO Chris Mugisha, the quarterfinalists will be rescheduled after the qualifier, with the competition now only having classification matches starting from position nine and lower to be played.

Commissioner Rev. Duncans Mugumya speaking. (Photo by Aloysius Byamukama)

“In order to prioritise the national team engagement, to protect the integrity of the tournament and to ensure that the most deserving teams represent Uganda in the international games, USSSA has decided to postpone the classification games for schools contesting for number 1-8 to a later date,” read Mugisha’s statement.

The CEO further instructed the schools to release the players that were selected for national duty, immediately to join the national team camp.

Five of the quarterfinalists Kawempe, St Noa, Amus, Rines and Uganda Martyrs had their players summoned by team coach Sheryl Botes.

The decision to postpone the matches did not go down well with some school officials at the competition, who looked at FUFA as stepping on USSSA’s turf. However, physical education and sports commissioner, Rev. Can Duncans Mugumya, clarified that as the education ministry, they have a duty to adhere to collaboration in their operations.

“People should know that as USSSA and the ministry, we are happy that our products are being summoned to represent the national team and that that is what we want because we have a guideline of collaboration with different entities in relation to talent identification and development. As the government, we shall meet the costs of the schools when this stage of the quarterfinal is arranged,” Mugumya said.

Kawempe Muslem with eight players has the most number summoned in goalie Ashley Nakabugo, defender Promise Kwagalakwe, midfielders Esther Nangedo, Vanessa Namazzi, Fahima Babirye, Shadia Nabirye, Monica Nanono and striker Agnes Nabukenya.

Amus College has seven in goalkeeper Dorcus Namboozo, defender Sharlon Nambuya, midfielders Tamisi Shafiga, Asia Kakai, Mariam Namataka, Doreen Alijat and Joyce Kaniza.

The two from St Noa are goalkeeper Lillian Nakilya and striker Sylivia Kabene while Rines has midfielder Bushirah Nalunkuuma and Uganda Martyrs with midfielder Auki Kigongo.

Uganda will play the first leg of the third round away in Lusaka on May 12, 204 before the second leg in Kampala five days later on May 17.

Meanwhile, all other USSSA ball games I disciplines; basketball, hockey, rugby 15s, badminton, table tennis and tennis, will continue and climax on Saturday.

Quarterfinal line-up

Sheema Girls Vs Rines

Boni Consilii Vs St Noa

Kawempe Muslim Vs Uganda Martyrs

Amus College Vs Sacred Heart Gulu