Guardian FC crowned 2025 North East Zonal Mini League champions

Guardian Football Club, from Kumi District, has emerged as the champion of the 2025 North East Zonal Mini League, organized under the North East Regional Football Association (NERFA).

The tournament, which brought together 16 clubs from 10 districts across the North East region, culminated in a thrilling final held at Akudum Primary School in Serere District on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Guardian FC defeated Kateta United FC to clinch the title.

Nicknamed "Rasta FC" by fans due to the dreadlocked hair of several players, Guardian FC captured public attention with their dramatic quarterfinal and semifinal victories—both secured through penalty shootouts.

Despite a strong start from the home side Kateta United FC, Guardian FC quickly took control. Ben Obeke opened the scoring in the 25th minute and added another in the second half to complete a brace. The win was sealed in the 60th minute when Moses Odongo scored a sublime lob over the Kateta United goalkeeper, ending the match at 3-0.

Speaking on behalf of the Serere District Football Association, Joseph Okurut expressed pride in the local teams' performances, despite no Serere-based club lifting the trophy. He noted that two clubs from the district had successfully qualified for the regional league.

Johnson Fairfax Nyiria, a FUFA delegate, officially welcomed the newly promoted clubs into the 2025/2026 regional league season. These clubs include: Guardian FC (Rasta FC), Kateta United FC, Ojetanyang FC and Teso Sports Atoot FC.

According to FUFA’s updated competition guidelines, this marks the final season for zonal mini leagues. Starting next season, district football associations will oversee the fifth and sixth division leagues, while fourth division competitions will be administered at the provincial level.

The restructuring aims to ensure that clubs promoted to the regional league are competitive and meet essential standards before advancing to the FUFA Big League.

Samuel Omoding, representing the Minister of Fisheries during the closing ceremony, commended the discipline exhibited by players and youth throughout the tournament.

“Football is not about fighting; it's about skill and talent. Where you're defeated, you accept it and move forward,” Omoding remarked, addressing the importance of sportsmanship and professionalism.

He added that police presence at the event was a precautionary measure as public interest in football continues to grow.

The regional football leadership expressed enthusiasm for supporting the newly promoted clubs and helping them build strong foundations for advancement through Uganda’s football league system.