As Uganda Cubs make history, BSK misses out on USSSA Championship

While Uganda’s U17 boys’ football team, The Cubs, celebrated a historic milestone by becoming the first Ugandan side to qualify for the FIFA Men’s World Cup, Blessed Sacrament Kimanya (BSK) Boys’ football team was grappling with disappointment after failing to secure a spot in the 2025 USSSA Boys Football Championship.

The 2018 national finalists will miss the prestigious schools’ competition, scheduled for 4–14 May in Ngora, for the first time after finishing outside the top three in the Masaka Zone qualifiers. BSK’s campaign ended in the group stages following a 1-0 loss to St. Bernard Kiswera, with Masaka SS, Notre Dame, and Waggwa High claiming the qualifying spots.

Their absence, however, came at a cost—BSK was without four key players who were representing Uganda at the CAF U17 Championship in Morocco. Striker James Bogere (the two-goal hero against The Gambia and Man of the Match), defender Elvis Toorach, and midfielders Isma Magara (2024 USSSA MVP) and Hamza Ssengooba played pivotal roles in securing Uganda’s historic World Cup qualification.

Blessed Sacrament Kimaanya boys football team during the USSSA Championship in Masaka last week

USSSA’s silence sparks speculation

USSSA has previously granted special exemptions to teams that fail to qualify on merit, provided there are exceptional circumstances. However, the association has remained silent on BSK’s case, despite a widely circulated social media post claiming that Justus Mugisha’s leadership had approved the school’s participation as guests.

The post read: “USSSA has agreed to invite Blessed Sacrament Kimanya to the nationals after their failure to qualify from the Masaka Zone. The decision follows the absence of five starters who were in Morocco helping Uganda qualify for the U17 World Cup. Watch out for this team in Ngora.”

When contacted, USSSA CEO Chris Mugisha denied any knowledge of the decision, stating that no such discussions had taken place. BSK’s games teacher, James Kibira, also declined to comment, saying the school was awaiting official communication.

Notably, all other schools that contributed players to the Cubs have secured their places in Ngora. BSK’s absence would deny their stars—now national heroes—the chance to showcase their talent at the school level.

Last year, BSK won over fans with their thrilling performances in Masaka before bowing out in the quarterfinals with a 2-0 loss to St. Mary’s Kitende.