Fresh Diary Secondary Schools Games
4th – 11th May 2019
Mbale, Uganda
Champions: Kawempe Muslim SS
The 2019 Secondary School Ball Games came to a climax over the weekend following seven days of competition, thrilling action and surprising results from the different institutions that converged at Mbale SS.
Girls football evidently attracted more attention with fans thronging the various playgrounds to watch young girls in action.
Several players featuring in the FUFA Women Elite League and also part of the National Women SeniorTeam (Crested Cranes) played for their respective schools and indeed proved their abilities whenever they took to the field.
Forward Fauzia Najjemba, who captained Mukono High School to third place, emerged the top scorer at the tournament with 13 goals in seven games including six coming against New Horizon SS.
The stylish player was a darling to many and some of the fans gave her money at the end of every game she played.
Najjemba, who earned her national team debut in the Olympic qualifier against Ethiopia earlier this year, has been in good form for both school and club.
She has 12 goals in the league at Isra Soccer Academy, one behind leading scorer Hasifa Nassuna.
The other player that attracted fans’ attention in Mbale was Juliet Nalukenge of Kawempe Muslim SS.
She scored ten goals and helped record champions Kawempe Muslim to extend their dominance with the ninth championship.
Goalkeeper Juliet Adeke who hails from Mbale made good use of home advantage ending the tournament with a clean sheet and was the heroine for Kawempe in the final saving Masitula Nakku’s kick from the penalty mark.
Despite her school, Taggy High not going far, winger Lilian Mutuuzo excited the crowds with her dribbling skills.
The other notable players included Aisha Namukisa, Anita Namata, Sandra Kisakye and Margaret Kunihira among others.
Crested Cranes fitness coach Oliver Mbekeka was in Mbale for the entire week and was impressed with the players’ performance.
‘There is proof that women’s football is taking great strides. The quality of players, the understanding of the game and level of competition portrayed here is an indicator of how the game is growing’ observed Mbekeka.
Mbekeka, who also coaches FUFA Women Elite League outfit Lady Doves, added that she had identified several players that can play for the National team.
‘I have been able to watch very many girls that I think, if improved, can play for the National teams’
A total of 32 schools took part with Kawempe Muslim emerging winners after edging St. Noa 5-4 in post match penalties.
FUFA also made a great contribution to the tournament providing balls to the schools.
MAIN PHOTO: Crested Cranes midfielder Lillian Mutuuzo in action for Tagy High School in Mbale
