After two weeks of extensive coverage of the Uganda Secondary Schools association (USSSA) championship at Nyakasura Fortportal tourism city, Sports256 senior reporter Henry Musabe has picked his best XI of the tournament.
For starters the championship was won by St Mary’s Kitende and it was their 11th title and levelled with Kibuli SS as record winners.
St Henry’s Kitovu was the finalist and Royal Giant from Mityana, finished in 3rd place after they defeated AMUS College in the 3rd place play-off match.
The selection is based on how the different individuals performed, quality displayed and and how each helped their respective schools.
Kamya Shamuran(GK) – Royal Giant High School Mityana
He was no doubt the best in the tournament his superb saves at the round of 16 stage, quarter and Semi-final were extra ordinary. And with the help of team captain Issa Bugembe their extra effort rewarded them East Africa football.
Opiro Justin – SMASK
The School Captain was instrumental in the title winning campaign assisted in the final to score. His long throws helped the team to score a couple of goals. He was played at both right and left back positions. His leadership and experience on the pitch was instrumental. Won the title as assistant captain to Andrew Kawooya in Arua and as captain in Fortportal.
Ronald Mutasiga ‘Cure’ – SHACK
He takes the left back position, he was composed, he loved using the ball and excellent ball crosser. He beats Juma Sajjabbi of Kibuli for the left back position who was also impressive.
Ronald Madoi- SMASK
An experienced center back, having played in the AFCON U-20 and had a good season with Wakiso Giants, showcased his qualities and leadership skills on and off the pitch, was very solid, he was partnered by Kato for most of the group A games then later Simon Mukisa joined him.
Tumwine Eric- Westville
Very composed with a good structure, good game reading, it was easy for me to spot him despite being knocked out in the early stages of the competition.
Godfrey Ssekibengo- SHACK
The master mind in the Kitovu team and the driving force, he was no doubt one of the best players in the tournament and was a candidate for the MVP award. In absence of the magical Asiimwe, the URA FC player fundamental making things happen for Kasekende’s side.
Isa Bugembe- Royal Giant.
One of the experienced players in the school and in the championship, carried the team on his shoulders. Despite missing the penalty that would have sent his school to a memorable final, but he was third in the pecking order of the MVP contest behind Oyirwoth Allan and Godfrey Ssekibengo.
Allan Oyirwoth- AMUS
There was no doubt he was picked the most valuable asset in the teens championship, no player could match his quality, scored a winner against former School Kibuli, scored a harder against Kitende in the semis. He was the most feared player in the Championship, a dead ball specialist, a dribbler who loves beating opponents and shoots at a goal with ease from any distance.
Shafiq Kwikiliza- JIPRA
Knocked out at the round of 16 stage by Royal Giant in spot kicks, but the BUL FC left footed attacker was joy to watch, scored vital goals for his school and assisted at many occasions.
Davis Busulwa – Kibuli SS
Despite his Small body, but he is a very intelligent center forward who can as well play on both flanks. He was Kibuli’s top marks man and managed to score 8 goals at the Nationals.
Abdul Nsereko- SMASK
Tournament top scorer with eleven goals, his goals helped the team defend the title. Dropped from last year’s team to Arua he came and proved himself as one of the sharpest young lads infront of goal.
Best Coach
Fred Kasekende of SHACK beats Royal Giants’ Frank Mulindwa, SMASK’s Dan Male and Richard Malinga of AMUS who were as well very impressive as well.
Special mention to Bruno Kaweesi (St Julian Gayaza) with his left foot, he was impressive.
Ibrahim Toto (NICO) another impressive left footed midfielder tipped to be the next Travis Mutyaba
Abdul Razak Muzamiru of AMUS College was another exciting central midfielder who uses the ball so well.
JIPRA captain James Jarieko was a lion infront of goal scored very important goals for his school but Nsereko beat him for a place in the XI.
SMASK’s Hakim Mutebi, Musoga of AMUS, Peter Abalirya of Kibuli SS, Hadji of Buddo SS, Wafula David of Mukono Kings, Simon Achid of Kigumba are other players worth a mention.
Left back Juma Sajjabi, Kabito Marvin of Westville, Ayebare of Nyakasura, Kasadha of Buddo, Bahira Katende of Kubuli , Bishop Negri’s number 10 are also worth a mention.
