JIPRA ready to take on the big boys in USSSA finals

With just days left ahead to the USSSA finals in Fortpotal, JIPRA head coach Mike Ssebagala has warned that his team will be ready to challenge for the title with the traditional big guns.

Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA) emerged as Jinja district and Busoga region champions recently with Ssebagala citing size and talent as some of the key factors he thinks can help his team reach its dream of playing in the first-ever national finals.

JIPRA has been pitted in Group G with St Julian High School, Nkoma SS, Africa with Love, Arua SS, Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga, and Panyandoli SS.

"I have a fine squad with well-built and talented players who have shown us that they are just ready to compete against the very best teams at the nationals. Our key factor here is teamwork no matter the opponent we face," said Ssebagala.

JIPRA school proprietor Swaibu Kitezala is confident that his team has what it takes to challenge the heavyweights.

"We know that St Mary's Kitende SS, Buddo SS, Kibuli SS, Standard High Zana, and many other favourites have assembled very strong teams, but we are equal to the task this time. We are not going to tour but to compete up to the finals," said Kitezala.

Striker James Jalieko, playmaker Shafik Twikiriza and winger Charles Okello are some of the key players that will inspire JIPRA to success.

Busoga region will be represented by five teams among which JIPRA will be joined by Victoria High, Lakeside SS Masese, Jinja SS, and Jinja Comprehensive SS.

Their local rivals Jinja SS are pitted in group D with Nakwasi Seed, St Kagwa High School Zzana,Old Kampala SS, and St Joseph Layibi college 

Teams will be expected to arrive in Fortpotal on Saturday ahead of the screening exercise before kick-off which is expected to start on Sunday.

St Mary's Kitende SS are the defending champions after winning last year's competition in Arua.

Host : Nyakasura School, Rwenzori Zone

Dates: 7th to 16th May 2023

The Full Groups after draw;

(Group A)

St Mary's Kitende

Tororo Town College

Jinja Comprehensive

Latifa Mixed

Teso Progressive

St Henry's College, Kitovu

Nakaseke International

(Group B)

Nyakasura School

London College Nansana

Sironko Progressive School

Alwa S.S

Ngenri College

Mengo S.S

Aki Bua College

(Group C)

Kawempe Muslim

St Denis Kijjaguzo

West Ville High School, Fort Portal

Mpigi Mixed School

Dokolo Progressive

St Bernard High School

Welden High School, Mbarara

(Group D)

Jinja S.S

Nakwasi Seed

St Kaggwa High School

Standard High School, Zzana

Old Kampala S.S

St Kalemba S.S

St Joseph College, Layibi

Bukedea Comprehensive

(Group E)

Buddo S.S

Mbale Progressive School

Mityana S.S

Alere S.S

Fort Portal S.S

Victoria High School

Blessed Sacrament, Kimanya

Amus College

(Group F)

Mukono Kings

Patongo Seed

St Gerald's

Kigumba Royal College

St Mary's Simbya

St James Drazai

Lake Side Masese

Kawempe Royal College

(Group G)

Jinja Progressive

St Julian High School, Gayaza

Nkoma S.S

Africa With Love

Arua S.S

Wisdom High School

Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga

Panyandoli S.S

(Group H)

Kibuli S.S

Kihanga S.S

Kabalega S.S

Lotuke Seed

Tororo Progressive Academy

Nganwa High School

Mulusa Academy Wobulenzi

Royal Giant Mityana