USSSA: St Mary’s Kitende set for strong comeback after rare trophy loss
Speaking to Vision Sport during the seventh edition of the elite games at Janan SS in Luwero, Kato said the technical team is pleased with the current progress and plans to begin strength and conditioning work as soon as schools fully reopen.
St Mary's Kitende netball side during last years FEASSA netball champions in Kakamega Kenya
St Mary’s Secondary School, Kitend, erecord holders in both USSSA National and FEASSA netball are already laying the groundwork for a strong return to form ahead of this year's national and regional school championships, head coach Nouriden Kato has confirmed.
Speaking to Vision Sport during the seventh edition of the elite games at Janan SS in Luwero, Kato said the technical team is pleased with the current progress and plans to begin strength and conditioning work as soon as schools fully reopen.
“Going trophyless at this year’s elite games after losing to Buddo SS has been an eye-opener for us. We know what lies ahead, from the district level all the way to the international stage, and we are ready to work,” Kato said.
His immediate target is clear: reclaim the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) National Netball trophy, which slipped from Kitende’s grasp in 2025 following a dramatic extra-time loss to Buddo Secondary School at the USSSA Ball Games Two in Tororo.
“We have a clear working plan that we will present to the school administration. This will allow us to start preparations early and also organize friendly matches,” Kato added.
St Mary’s Kitende has long been a powerhouse in Ugandan school netball. Since 2002, the school has lost the USSSA National Netball title only twice—first in 2013 to St Juliana in Hoima, and again in 2025 to Buddo SS in Tororo.
The side currently holds the FEASSA championship, having defeated Buddo in the final of the 2024 edition held in Kakamega, Kenya.