Mentor SS targets strong campaign after impressive elite games showing
Head Coach Ronald Okello has expressed strong confidence in the squad's ability to defend their zonal crown and make a significant impact at the National U-20 Boys Football Championship, set to be hosted for the first time at Lira Town College in Lira City.
Mentor SS players celebrating after edging Uganda Martyrs SS
The reigning champions of the 2025 Lango Zone USSSA U-20 Boys Football title, Mentor Secondary School, are already setting their sights on another successful campaign in 2026.
Head Coach Ronald Okello has expressed strong confidence in the squad's ability to defend their zonal crown and make a significant impact at the National U-20 Boys Football Championship, set to be hosted for the first time at Lira Town College in Lira City.
Okello’s optimism follows his team’s impressive performance during the recently concluded 7th edition of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Elite Games, held at Janan SS in Luwero district.
"I watched the boys playing. It was a reminder that Northern Uganda has always possessed raw, natural football talent. What was needed was structure, belief, and opportunity, and Mentor have found that formula," said Okello.
During the Elite Games, Mentor Secondary School delivered a series of standout performances. They secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Kawempe Muslim and another 3–0 win against St. Janan Bombo. In the final, they played to a 2–2 draw with Bukedea Comprehensive School before heading to penalties.
In the quarterfinals, the team battled to a 1–1 draw with Kyadondo SS and triumphed on penalties, demonstrating composure under pressure. They then edged Uganda Martyrs SS 1–0 in a tightly contested semifinal encounter.
"We set the pace during the national Elite Games. Our target now is to go back to the drawing board, win the district, then the zone, and finally head to the nationals—where we finished in fourth place last year in Ngora," said Sam Oluka, the school's Games Teacher.
Oluka confirmed that the school currently has a squad of 30 players ready to compete in boys' football.
Okello, a former professional right winger who featured for Akol FC, Boroboro FC, and Fire Masters in the Uganda Premier League, revealed that the Mentor football project began just three years ago with a clear long-term vision.