Kawempe Muslim SS to represent Uganda at ISF World School Football Championships
The 29th edition of the championship has attracted more than 1,350 players from 36 countries across Europe, South America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
Kawempe striker Kampi Zuena celebrates one of Kawempe's goals in a recent match
Kawempe Muslim Secondary School will represent Uganda at this year's International School Sport Federation (ISF) World School Football Championships, scheduled for October 17–26 in Suzhou, China.
The 29th edition of the championship has attracted more than 1,350 players from 36 countries across Europe, South America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
Kawempe earned the opportunity to represent Uganda after winning the USSSA U17 National Ball Games II championships held in Gulu earlier this year.
The 20-player squad features goalkeepers Sharifa Namutebi and Haira Nabbosa, along with defenders Jovia Nakirya, Angel Gerevans, Arach Phiona, Babirye Martha, Ashanti Imurinde, Vanessa Namazzi, and Evas Tushemerirwe.
The midfield comprises Agness Nabukenya, Shamira Namukabirye, Tracy Nabalanzi, Cynthia Kirenga, Loyce Komugisha, Tamisi Shafiga, and Ayerango Justine, while the attacking options are Angel Ainembabazi, Ariho Rina, Grace Kawiino, and Nabirye Shadia.
Nabukenya guided Kawempe's senior side to their maiden appearance at the CAF Women's Champions League CECAFA qualifiers in Kigali in August, where she finished as the tournament's top scorer with four goals.
She also scored for Uganda in the Crested Cranes' 2–1 home victory over Zambia in the first leg of their Olympic qualifiers last week, further underlining her importance to the school's ambitions.
However, Kawempe will be without midfielders Dorcus Kasirye, Adong Mable, and Belinda Hope, as well as defender Kevin Nanyunja, who are sitting their Senior Four examinations.
Coach Ayub Khalifa believes the championship presents his players with a valuable opportunity to showcase their talent and attract attention beyond the school level.
He added that he expects the team to draw inspiration from the fighting spirit displayed by their senior counterparts and to deliver performances that will make their supporters proud.
Kawempe have been drawn in Group C alongside Hong Kong, Germany, and hosts China I, setting up a challenging opening phase as they seek to make an impact on the international stage.
Uganda will be represented by only a girls' team after Amus College failed to secure qualification for the boys' category. Amus reached the boys' final at the previous edition in Dalian, China, while their girls' team finished seventh.
Kawempe will become the third Ugandan school to compete in the ISF women's football championship, following in the footsteps of Amus College and Bukedea Comprehensive School.
Uganda's 34-member delegation will be led by the Ministry of Education and Sports Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, Rev. Can. Dr. Duncan Mugumya. The delegation will also include ministry officials and Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) officials led by president Justus Mugisha.