SMACK captain: FEASSSA rugby triumph, a dream come true
BOYS’ RUGBY -15s
All Saints (Ke) 09-23 SMACK
Budo (Ug) 00-26 St. Anthony
Mathew Musasizi was named most valuable player after his two penalties and a conversion helped St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK) to the Federation of East Africa Secondary School Association (FEASSSA) Games’ boys’ rugby title in Huye, Rwanda on Saturday.
Musasizi and his SMACK teammates beat Kenyan counterparts All Saints 23-9 in a largely one sided match to top the round robin competition.
SMACK’s tries were scored by Ethan Mugabi, Abraham Ggayi and captain Michael Musiimenta while Josphat Karanja was clinical with the boot as his three penalties helped St. Anthony put some points on board.
“The trophy did not come on a silver platter; guys worked for it, put their shoulders on the line and worked hard,” Musiimenta said of his team’s triumph that makes them the third Ugandan team to do so after Namilyango College last year and Hana in 2009 and 2011.
The previous years have been dominated by Kenyan schools like Laiser Hill, Kakamega and Maseno. It is clear to see why Musiimenta feels this was a huge moment for the history of their school and Ugandan rugby.
“I would like to thank my teammates, coach (Alvin Nkamba), school administration, our parents and our friends out there for the support they have given us.
This (captaining SMACK to the regional trophy) is something I will never forget. It is a dream come true,” Musiimenta added.
While it was all celebrations and cheers in the SMACK camp, Brian Makalama’s King’s College Budo failed to regroup in the entire tournament and that was summed up by a 26-0 hiding from St. Anthony on the final day of the competition.
Jinja on podium
In the sevens’ Jinja SS redeemed themselves with a 19-14 win over Kenya’s Kitondo to claim bronze.
John Mathew Oluka and Godwin Ejuu (two) scored the tries while Ian Aliker converted twice to ensure coach Andrew Odiambo’s side left with some medals.