Buddo SS crowned 2025 USSSA national boys’ football champions

USSSA U-20  National Football Finals 

Buddo SS 0 (5):0 (4)

Buddo SS clinched the 2025 USSSA National Boys’ Football title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over St. Mary’s Kitende on Wednesday, May 14, at Ngora High School grounds.

The tightly contested final ended in a goalless draw during regular time, pushing the match to penalties, where Buddo triumphed 5-4. Muhammed Sigiriya converted the decisive spot-kick, sealing Buddo’s win after Santos Agoko missed for Kitende.

“This year, our mission in Ngora District was to lift the national trophy, which had eluded us for several years. God has once again opened the door for us,” said Buddo SS head coach Richard Malinga.

Malinga credited his team’s success to meticulous preparation and strategy, particularly in anticipating Kitende’s tactics — a team Buddo had previously defeated in the zonal finals.

“I thank the school administration for their unwavering support throughout our journey — from school training to district, zonal, and now national competitions. May the Almighty bless everyone who supported this noble cause,” he added.

Looking ahead, Malinga expressed his ambition to bring the East Africa Secondary Schools Sports trophy back to Uganda from Kenya.

St. Mary’s Kitende head coach Hassan Zungu commended Buddo SS for their hard-fought victory.

“My boys gave it their all to win the trophy, but penalty shootouts are always unpredictable for any team,” Zungu said. He emphasized that Kitende would now focus on the upcoming East Africa games.

The closing ceremony was presided over by State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, who used the occasion to address misconduct witnessed during the tournament.

“I’m disappointed by what happened here yesterday — a games teacher from a recognized institution chased a referee during the match between St. Mary’s Kitende and Jinja Progressive Academy,” Ogwang said. He vowed to follow up and take disciplinary action against the teacher involved.

The event attracted various dignitaries, including political and religious leaders, educationists, and community supporters.

The 2025 championship featured over 1,600 players and was organized by the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports.