By Jude Atwiine
The Elite Games slated for 26th Feb to 1st March commences with reporting of teams at host school Janan SS Bombo.
Following previous successful editions, the 7th won’t be any different but a top 8 championship where schools have different missions.
One could look at the Elite championship as a trial test for new recruits while others would want to start off the year with silverware on their backs before the Nationals qualifiers and eventually the National show piece.
The Elite Games also provide a platform to prove yourself among the very best before the business end of the school sports calendar.
What to expect
What you are thinking is right, a mixture of thoughts, new squads, unfamiliar faces, new technical and backroom staff.
A case in point, Buddo SS won last year’s National championship under the stewardship of head coach Richard Malinga, but has since left the side.
Do we expect similar faces for Buddo? absolutely not. MVP Owen Mukisa who also played a very pivotal part in their successful trophy hunt will represent immediate competitors St. Mary’s Boarding School Kitende.
Pressure is mounting on the other end with 11 time National champions St. Mary’s Kitende going trophyless for the second time in a row!
‘SMASK’ last took part in the Elite Games in 2022 when they hosted and had since been a no show at the top 8 team battle. You’re guessing right, they must want to grab the year by the scruff of the neck, from the word go!
What it means!
Teams that usually have a successful Elite outing usually have an edge over the rest throughout the year!
Any doubts? Let’s take a close look at winners last year and how they performed at the National championships then.
In netball, Buddo SS lifted Elite gold, the same team won a maiden trophy at the USSSA Ball Games II in Tororo.
In girls’ football, St. Noa Girls’ followed up the Elite Games trophy with a clean sweep at the Nationals and also FEASSA Games in Kakamega Kenya.
Official Elite Games 2026 trailer
Full draws
https://usssaonline.com/usssa-elite-games-2026-full-draws/
