Opio confident Soroti Municipal SS will retain USSSA district title

Emmanuel Opio, the head coach of Soroti Municipal Secondary School, has expressed confidence in his team's ability to retain the USSSA Soroti District title as the qualifiers climax on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Soroti Sports Ground.

Soroti Municipal SS, the winners of the 2025 district qualifiers, has been in impressive form during the group stages.

On day two of the championship, the team showcased its potential by securing three consecutive victories: beating Jaressar High School 1-0, Gweri SS 2-0, and Crane High School 2-0.

“With meticulous training sessions, strategic planning, and unwavering determination, I believe that my team is well-positioned to defend the trophy and even set our sights on the zonal and national trophies,” Opio said.

The Soroti City West-based institution is seeded in Group A alongside Jeressar, Dakabela Comprehensive, Cornerstone, and Aloet Parents. Opio attributes the team's strong start to the experience of his squad.

“I know that in football, it is often difficult to predict outcomes, but this time around, we don't expect any surprises. The same core team that played in last year's final is still here and performing well for the school,” he added.

In the group stage draw, Group A consists of Soroti Municipal SS, Jeressar, Gweri SS, Crane High School, and Asuret. Group B is made up of Soroti High School, Halcyon High School, Kamuda Parents, Erimu College, Dakabela Comprehensive, and Cornerstone. Group C features Teso College Aloet, Aloet Parents, Agora SS, Olila High School, Tubur SS, and Ave Maria, while Group D includes Soroti SS, Light SS, Echoes, Holy Angels, St. Peter's Minor Seminary, and Bethany Girls.

In the girls' category, Group A has Olila, Soroti SS, Agora SS, Cornerstone, and Immaculate. Group B comprises Kamuda Parents, Halcyon High School, Tubur SS, Bethany Girls, and Erimu College. Group C is made up of Echoes SS, Soroti High School, Gweri SS, and Ave Maria, and Group D consists of St. Mary's Girls Madera, Aloet Parents, Dakabela Comprehensive, and Holy Angels.

James Stephen Engole, the USSSA Teso Zone Executive, emphasized the importance of discipline during the championships. He warned that indiscipline in schools negatively impacts the image of the district and urged an immediate end to acts of hooliganism if schools and learners are to excel in their endeavours.

John Robert Osuu, the USSSA Teso Zonal Chairperson, also cautioned school heads against allowing students to go astray. He warned that continued acts of hooliganism could have a negative impact on the education sector and the future of the students.