Four schools from Uganda are all set to compete in the upcoming ISF World School Football Championship in Dalian, China. The tournament, dubbed the Schools Football World Cup, promises to be an exciting opportunity for these young athletes to showcase their talent on a global stage.
During a flag-off ceremony held at the Cooper Chimney, the teams were bid farewell by dignitaries including Peter Ogwang, the State Minister of Sports, and Rev. Can. Duncan Mugumya, Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports. Also present were Patrick Okanya and David Katende, offering their support as Assistant Leader of Delegation to China and Assistant General Secretary of the National Council of Sports respectively.
Minister Peter Ogwang emphasized the importance of discipline both on and off the field, reminding the players that they are representing Uganda as a unified team, rather than individual schools. He urged them to uphold the values of sportsmanship and to serve as ambassadors for their country during the tournament.
Following the draws conducted last month in Dalian, the participating Ugandan teams now know their opponents. Amus College’s girls’ team finds themselves in Group C, facing off against teams from Czech Republic, Canada, and Nigeria. In the boys’ category, Amus College School (Uganda 1) will compete in Group G alongside teams from Benin, Taipei, and Kenya.
Bukedea Comprehensive School (Uganda 2) has been placed in Group F, where they will challenge teams from Brazil, Germany, Mexico, and Turkmenistan. Meanwhile, St. Mary’s College Kisubi will battle it out in Group E against schools from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, England, Hungary, and New Zealand.
Reflecting on Uganda’s performance in the previous edition held in Rabat, Morocco, where they were represented by two boys’ teams and one girls’ team, there’s optimism for a stronger showing this time around. St Noa Girls secured a commendable third place finish, clinching the Bronze medal, while Amus College and Kibuli SS secured 17th and 22nd positions respectively.
In the 27th Edition, it was China and France who emerged victorious in the girls’ and boys’ categories respectively. As the Ugandan teams embark on their journey to China, hopes are high for a successful campaign and the chance to bring home more medals to add to their country’s sporting accolades.
