St. Mary’s Kitende departs for CAF African Schools Football Championship

St. Mary’s Kitende, Uganda’s representatives at the upcoming CAF African Schools Football Championship, have departed for Zimbabwe following an official send-off held at the school on Tuesday.

The U15 national champions are traveling with a 31-member delegation, including 20 players, five technical officials, and six representatives from the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA). The team is led by head of delegation Twahir Kitezaala.

The send-off ceremony was presided over by the Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports, Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya. Also in attendance were officials from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), led by CEO Edgar Watson Suubi, along with USSSA president Justus Mugisha and executive members.

Mugumya expressed confidence in the team’s chances, backing Kitende to make a strong impression on the continental stage. He noted that their previous experience in the competition gives them an edge heading into this year’s tournament.

Other government representatives on the trip include Brighton Barugahare, while Saidi Ddamulira is the member association representative, and Aisha Nakato serves as media officer.

USSSA president Justus Mugisha praised the school’s director, Lawrence Mulindwa, for his continued commitment to developing sports talent. FUFA CEO Edgar Watson urged the players to seize the moment and represent the country with pride and determination, emphasizing that the competition aligns with FUFA’s technical master plan of nurturing players and coaches for higher levels.

Kitende earned their place at the continental showpiece after winning the boys’ title at the 2025 CECAFA qualifiers, hosted at their home ground. They will compete against hosts Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Senegal, Morocco, Zambia, DR Congo, and Benin.

Uganda will also be represented among match officials, with teenager Isaac Ssentongo selected under the CAF Young Referees Programme.

The team is expected to learn its group stage opponents during the official draw ahead of the tournament kickoff.

Squad:
Frank Musisi, Bashir Edema, Akram Ssenyonga, Nabiru Kajumba, Shakur Ngobi, Hamidu Kasumba, Nicholas Kawooya, Livingstone Kulata, Haruna Kisakye, Owen Mukisa, Elisa Mukasa, Ivin Kakinda, Musa Kironde, Henry Muhoozi, Lucky Wanyama, Imran Ssebbale, Shafik Kitimbo, Eze Kombi, Derrick Rwothomio, and Emmanuel Opio.

Technical Bench:
Team manager Ronald Mulajje, head coach Hassan Zungu, assistant coach Michael Kabali, safeguarding officer Joel Muwanguzi, team doctor Dr. Aloysious Kyeyune, and goalkeeping coach Mubarak Kiberu.