Buddo springs surprise to tame Kitende

Buddo SS outsmarted the favourites to win the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Boys Football Championship in Ngora on Wednesday afternoon, with their midfielder Owen Mukisa named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) scoring 7 goals along the way.

Buddo secured their third ever title with a 6-5 victory in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw to defeat 12-time record champions St Mary's SS Kitende in an all-Wakiso final.

Both finalists entered the match unbeaten, with Buddo's only dropped points coming from a goalless draw against Bishop Comboni Kambuga in the group stage.

Buddo secured their championship in a tense penalty shootout, with successful kicks from Martin Batte, Shakur Babi, Loy Olara, Sepiriya Lutalo, Ali Kisambira and Ronald Ssegirinya. The son of the late Kawempe North MP, Mohammed Ssegirinya, fittingly scored the decisive penalty.

Initially considered dark horses, Buddo's unexpected journey to the final gained attention after their victory over Bukedea in the semifinals.

While many doubted their chances, head coach Richard Malinga maintained belief.

"This wasn't a solo effort; it was a collective triumph of the boys and the entire staff," Malinga said. Reflecting on their strategy, he added, "We approached each game strategically, adapting to our opponents. In the final, we leveraged counter-attacks while controlling the midfield. Going into penalties, we were confident."

This final was a rematch for the two sides, with St Mary's Kitende having secured a 2-0 win in the Wakiso finals earlier in the year, though glimpses of Buddo's potential under Malinga were evident even then.

After the finals, his deputy Fahad ‘Brazilian’ Walugembe was suspended for an unknown reasons but the team stayed still.

Games Teacher Amos Agaba Amos hailed the victory as "the sweetest moment born out of resilience." Initially aiming for FEASSSA qualification, Agaba explained that their convincing quarterfinal win against Uganda Martyrs Lubaga ignited their belief in winning the title.

"Beating one of the tournament's best teams gave us the confidence that we were champions’ material," he said.

Buddo, alongside St Mary's Kitende, Bukedea and Amus College in representing Uganda at the FEASSSA Games in Kenya, marking their third USSSA Boys' National title (2009, 2018).

Excitement

Buddo recorded the tournament's biggest scoreline, defeating Karamoja's Chemwania 14-1 in the group stage.

Malinga's tactical blueprint, a flawless passing game within a 3-5-1 formation he has consistently implemented, proved the bedrock of Buddo's triumph.

With an experienced side that plays for Wakiso Giants in the FUFA Juniors League, Owen Mukisa and goalkeeper Edirisa Wayibi, who both have national team experience, were key. Other pillars in the team included midfielder Loy Olala and their captain Dickson Balasa, who steadied the boat.

However, substitute goalkeeper Owen Walugembe became Buddo's hero in the penalty shootout, saving Santos Agok's sixth attempt for Kitende.

Malinga said, "The final was special. It was tight, but I always believed my boys would deliver the title."

Goalkeeping coach Adadi Mutumba was particularly excited that his reliable goalkeeper (Walugembe) played a pivotal role in securing the title, not once but twice.

"It feels great when a goalkeeper finally gets the recognition of being the hero," he said, noting their often-overlooked contributions until such crucial moments.

Road to final

Buddo 14-1 Chemwania

Bp. Comboni 0-0 Buddo

Buddo 3-0 Busia SS

Round of 32: Buddo 3-0 Busia SS

Round of 16: Buddo 3-1 Wisdom

Quarters: Buddo 1-0 Uganda Martyrs

Semifinals: Buddo 0-0 Bukedea (Pens. 5-4)

Final: Buddo 0-0 Kitende (Pens. 6-5)

 Former winners

Year       Champion                           Host

1986       Kololo S.S                            Kampala

1987       Kololo S.S                            Kampala

1988       Kololo S.S                            Kampala

1989       Kibuli S.S                              Kampala

1990       Kololo S.S                            Kampala

1991       Kibuli S.S                              Kampala

1992       Kibuli SS                               Kampala

1993       Kibuli S.S                              Mbarara

1994       Lubiri S.S                              Lira

1995       Kibuli S.S                              Mbale

1996       Kibuli S.S                              Masaka

1997       St Leo's Kyegobe              Mbarara

1998       Kibuli S.S                              Jinja

1999       Old Kampala                       Masindi

2000       Kibuli S.S                              Mbale

2001       Ngabo Academy               Kabale

2002       Nagalama Islamic             Soroti

2003       Old Kampala                       Lira

2004       St Mary's Kitende            Mbarara

2005       Kibuli S.S                              Masaka

2006       St Mary's Kitende            Masindi

2007       St Mary's Kitende            Jinja

2008       St Mary's Kitende            Arua

2009       Buddo S.S                            Fort Portal

2010       Bishop Nankyama            Masaka

2011       St Mary's Kitende            Arua

2012       St Mary's Kitende            Tororo

2013       St Mary's Kitende            Kabale

2014       Kibuli SS                               Gulu

2015       St Mary's Kitende            Hoima

2016       Kibuli SS                               Soroti

2017       Jinja S.S                                 Masaka

2018       Buddo S.S                            Mbarara

2019       St Mary's Kitende            Jinja

2022       St Mary's Kitende            Arua

2023       St Mary's Kitende            Fort Portal

2024       St Julian Seeta                   Masaka

2025       Buddo SS                            Ngora