St. Julian launch title defence at 2025 USSSA football finals

Defending champions St. Julian High School are set to return to the national stage as they prepare to defend their U20 football title when the 2025 Boys Football Championship begins on Tuesday, May 6, in Ngora District.

Under the guidance of head coach Felix Kawooya Ssekabuuza, the team aims to build on their triumphant 2024 campaign in Masaka, where they overcame strong opponents such as Teso Giants, Bukedea Comprehensive School, and Amus College School to claim the trophy.

“We’re proud of how far the team has come, and I’m confident we can retain our title,” said Coach Ssekabuuza. “This tournament will challenge our skills, tactics, and teamwork, but I believe our players are ready to step up.”

St. Julian will open their campaign against Garama Secondary School at BKC Demo Primary School on Tuesday at 2:00 PM, following the final screening process at 1:00 PM.

The squad boasts standout players from last year’s victory, including James Ssekate, the two-goal hero of the final, alongside Mukasa Elisa, Ryan Giggs Osinya, and Disan Mweebe. Drawn in Group A, they will face Garama SS, Labira Girls SS, Lakeside SS Masese, and Galama SS.

Coach Ssekabuuza emphasized the importance of unity and determination: “We must stay focused, communicate well, and support each other. The competition will be tough, but we’ve put in the work.”

This year’s national finals will be hosted across two districts, with boys’ matches in Ngora and girls’ games in Bukedea. The championship’s official opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 8, followed by a match between hosts Ngora High School and Kyadondo SS at 3:00 PM.

However, the action kicks off earlier, featuring high-profile fixtures such as Fort Portal SS versus Masaka SS—both zonal champions. The knockout phase begins on Saturday, May 10 (Round of 32), progressing through the Round of 16 (May 11), quarter-finals (May 12), semi-finals (May 13), and culminating in the grand final on Wednesday, May 14.