St Noa and Kitende Shine Bright in CAF Schools Football Glory

As the final whistle blew at St Mary’s Stadium, jubilation erupted from the St Noa camp. Amid a sea of cheers, goalkeeper Haira Nabbosa sank to her knees in tears of triumph, and striker Brenda Nassaka hoisted her arms high, her four goals lighting up the tournament like a beacon. It wasn’t just a win; it was a moment etched in time—a tale of resilience and teamwork that earned the Ugandan side a golden ticket to continental glory.

The girls of St Noa displayed unyielding grit, ending the CECAFA zone CAF Schools U15 competition as champions on goal difference, a testament to their skill and determination. Their 8-0 drubbing of Rwanda turned the tide in their favor, with Nassaka’s clinical finishing sealing the deal. Though Tanzania matched their 7 points, St Noa’s bulging goal tally became the difference maker. Meanwhile, St Mary’s Kitende, the gracious hosts, showed the heart of lions in the boys’ and girls’ categories, earning runners-up prizes and proving their mettle on the grand stage.

As the dust settled, individual accolades shone like stars on a clear night. Nabbosa, aptly nicknamed “The Wall,” clinched the best goalkeeper award, while Nassaka bagged the top scorer title. For the boys, Kitende captain Ashraf Kyakuwa dazzled with his brilliance, earning the coveted Most Valuable Player award. The tournament, a melting pot of talent from five nations, offered more than just football, with workshops on coaching, refereeing, and safeguarding shaping a new generation of leaders on and off the pitch.

With the Motsepe Foundation fueling this continental dream, St Noa and Kitende now turn their sights to March 2024, when they will represent CECAFA at the CAF African Schools Football Championship. As they march forward, one thing is certain: the seeds of excellence sown on Ugandan soil will continue to bear fruit, proving that talent and hard work can indeed take you to the stars


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