The ISF World Schools Cup (Football) witnessed a groundbreaking moment as Uganda made its debut at the prestigious games hosted in Rabat city, Morocco by the Royal Kingdom of Morocco. The nation’s representation in the tournament was met with enthusiasm and pride as three schools – St Noa Girls School Zzana, Kibuli Secondary School, and Amus College – showcased their talent on the international stage.
Justus Mugisha, the president of Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and also the FEASSSA and ISF football commission president, expressed his delight at the historic achievement. He commended the teams’ impressive performance, especially St Noa Girls Zzana, who secured the third spot and earned the coveted bronze medal.
Despite being first-timers at the tournament, Uganda’s teams exhibited remarkable determination and tenacity while competing against football powerhouses like Germany, France, and England. Mugisha highlighted the will to win displayed by the Ugandan players, which left a lasting impression on their opponents.
Looking ahead to the future, Mugisha remains optimistic about Uganda’s football prospects. With valuable experience gained from their debut appearance, the president foresees a bright future for Ugandan football and believes they will make a strong impression at the upcoming 2024 ISF WSC football championship in Dalia city, China.
The road to success was not without challenges, but the schools proved their mettle in the face of tough competition. St Noa Girls School Zzana, the current holders of the FEASSSA football title, fought valiantly throughout the tournament, ultimately securing the bronze medal after an intense match against Germany.
Amus College School and Kibuli Secondary School also demonstrated their prowess, finishing 17th and 22nd, respectively. Amus College earned notable victories over Nepal, England, China 2, and Nigeria, while Kibuli S.S showcased their potential with wins against Bulgaria and Nigeria.
Uganda’s debut at the ISF World Schools Cup (Football) adds to the nation’s growing list of international sporting achievements. In recent years, Uganda has also participated in various prestigious events, such as the ISF Cross Country Championship in Slovakia, Serbia Gymnasiade, and 3X3 Africa Basketball Championships. With their sights set on the 2023 Gymnasiade event in Brazil, Uganda continues to make strides in the global sports arena.
As the delegation from Morocco returns home, they carry with them the pride of a nation that has left a lasting impact on the world stage. The triumphant performance of Team Uganda marks the beginning of a promising era for football in the country, with aspirations set high for future endeavors on the international sporting stage.