After leading Highway Secondary to their first KSSSA national football title, head coach Beldine Odemba is now targeting further success with the team.
Highway secured a direct slot to the East African games by defeating Western region powerhouse Musingu High School 3-2 in a match that was decided by post-match penalties. The game ended 1-1 after regular time.
Both finalists secured their spots in the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) games, which will take place from Friday, August 16, to Tuesday, August 27, in Mbale, Uganda.
The national champions have been placed in Pool A, alongside third-placed St Joseph’s Boys, the defending FEASSSA football champions St Mary’s Kitende, as well as Bukedea Comprehensive, and Benjamin Mkapa.
Prior to the games, the coach remarked that they are aiming for an extraordinary performance, aiming to display exceptional football on the East African stage.
“I will showcase beautiful football at the East African games, and I expect to at least reach the finals. Reaching the finals will help us book a spot in the international schools tournament, which we missed last time because of lack of sponsorship,” Odemba explained.
Her primary objective is to ensure her players gain the advantages of competing at the international level.
“My dream is to see my players feature in the international tournament so that they showcase their talent on a bigger stage,” she offered.
Musingu High School is placed in Pool B alongside St Julian, Amus College, Ape Rugunga, and Kalangalala.
This championship will mark several firsts. It will be the first time the Teso region in Uganda hosts such an event, with over 3,000 students from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi expected to participate.
Additionally, it’s the first instance where two schools will co-host the championship. Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College School will be the venues for these games.
Amus College School, on the other hand, has developed five football fields, including a 10,000-seater stadium with an eight-lane running track. Additionally, the facility features four natural grass pitches and courts for volleyball, netball, handball and basketball that are suitable for all weather conditions.
The FEASSSA games include secondary, primary, and special needs schools, offering a variety of sports such as football, netball, hockey, swimming, rugby, table tennis, badminton, and handball, among others.
Consideration is also being given to other important aspects, including accommodation, internal transport for players and officials, as well as water, electricity and medical services.
The games will become even more thrilling with the addition of two extra light-up moments for the nation and cultural nights, similar to those seen in international competitions.
This will be the first time the FEASSSA management has organized such festivities.
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By Frank Mugwe
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