Prostat Academy vows to produce future national teams players

The 2026 Prostat Football Academy Awards lit up the evening of Saturday, May 2, at the Imperial Royale Hotel, as players, coaches, parents, and football stakeholders gathered to celebrate excellence, discipline, and growth in youth football.

The glamorous event, attended by a cross-section of the local football fraternity, recognized outstanding performers from the academy over the past season, rewarding talent, hard work, and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.

Young forward Jethro Jjunju stole the show after being crowned Player of the Year and top scorer of the season, following an impressive campaign in which he led his age group in goals and assists. His consistency and leadership qualities also earned him admiration from coaches and teammates alike.

Jjunju, who features for the U-11 side, is now set to join the PSG training academy in Rwanda as a pathway opportunity awarded to him to compete in the 2026 international PSG Tournament in July.

This was announced by the chief guest at the function, Frank Petersen, a retired Danish national goalkeeper who is now a coach, mentor, and scout at the DANA Cup in Denmark.

"We are pleased to work with Prostat in a bid to give opportunities to talented players to get incorporated into professional clubs in Europe. We already have female players Vanesa Kalungi and Phiona Nabbumba who are doing well at their clubs. The window is wider in women's football," noted Petersen.

He was accompanied by Theonas Nianguza, the general manager of the PSG Academy in Rwanda, who is also a coach and CAF instructor.

The U-9 team was crowned the best team of the year, especially after winning a junior tournament in Ethiopia in December. The U-11 team finished with a bronze medal at the international DANA Cup in Denmark in July.

All players in the U-7, U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15, and U-17 age groups received medals, while the best performers were given special awards.

The crowned strikers include Ezra Kisitu (7 years), Mark Aturinda (9 years), Jethro Jjunju (11 years), and Jeremy Mwesigwa (15 years).

The defenders are Isaac Mukisa (7 years), Xavi Lutwama (9 years), Paul Okwi (11 years), Clinton Asiimwe (13 years), Jordan Muganzi (15 years), and Isaac Matovu (17 years). Rayan Sserujogi (U-13) was crowned the best midfielder.

Best Dressed went to Naushid Murungi, while Raphael Mwanga took the Best Discipline award.

Bosco Mugabe was crowned Best Coach, while Havilah Kalanda was named Best Female Player.

Peter Mario was the Best Upcoming Player, while Samuel Mukasa, Haris Mpiima, George Ntale, and Tamale Kibalama were recognized with certificates as outstanding upcoming players.

Speaking at the event, academy director Richard Mugerwa emphasized the importance of discipline, education, and character building through football. He noted that the awards were not only about recognizing talent but also about motivating young players to strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

"We are building more than footballers; we are shaping responsible citizens to play for the national teams in the near future. These awards are meant to inspire the next generation to stay committed and focused — a reason we have elevated them to such a high level, akin to the Ballon d'Or awards," he said.

Parents and guardians were also applauded for their continuous support, while coaches received special recognition for their role in developing players and instilling values of teamwork and resilience.