By Kayiira Jackson
St Cyprian High School Kyabakadde has officially flagged off a strong contingent of basketball players (boys and girls) ahead of the upcoming USSSA Ball Games I set to tip off at Seroma Christian High School in Mukono.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Tuesday at the school premises in Kyabakadde, Mukono District, was presided over by head teacher Joseph Kamya, who handed the school flag to team captains Vivian Nakyanzi and Ichut Agok Ring in a symbolic gesture of trust and responsibility.
Kamya rallied the players to prioritize discipline and performance during the championship.
St Cyprian Kyabakadde head teacher, Joseph Kamya
“You are going for the games, I ask you to come back with the trophy. You are going for the games not a battle, so go and play well while exhibiting maximum discipline,” he emphasized.
High Expectations After Last Year’s Near Miss
The boys’ team heads into the tournament with renewed determination after finishing as runners-up in last year’s edition, narrowly losing to Amus College in the final held in Bukedea District.
Captain Ichut Agok Ring expressed confidence in the team’s readiness:
“We have had good training with our coaches and we are ready for the games. In Mukono District we played well—we won some games and lost others—but those losses taught us lessons. Like the head teacher said, we’re going to bring back the trophy.”
This year, St Cyprian’s boys have been drawn into a competitive Group H alongside Elite High School Entebbe, Muntuyera High School, St Mary’s College Rushoroza, and London College of St Lawrence.
Girls Eye Progress Beyond Group Stages
For the girls’ team, this marks only their second appearance at the national level. In their debut campaign last year, they failed to progress beyond the group stages. However, captain Vivian Nakyanzi believes this year presents a fresh opportunity.
Vivian Nakyanzi, girls’ team captain
“Last edition we didn’t perform well—we didn’t make it out of the group. But this time we’re charged. Our target is to qualify for East Africa.”
They have been placed in Group D alongside Merryhill High School, St Mary’s Rushoroza, Kibuli SS, and Merryland High School.
Coach Omondi Sets Ambitious Targets
Head coach John Omondi, a former tactician at Buddo Secondary School, is optimistic about both teams’ chances, citing improved preparation and growth, particularly among the girls.
Coach John Omondi giving instructions to the players during team’s last training
“The girls are improving—we’ve seen them adjust to competitive intensity. I believe they can go past the round of sixteen, which is our first target,” he noted.
“For the boys, we reached the finals last year. This time, we are going for the championship. We tested the waters and now we know how far we can stretch. Based on our preparation, I feel this year should be ours.”
Eyes on East Africa Ticket
Both teams are aiming not only for national glory but also qualification to the East Africa Championships scheduled for August in Morogoro City, Tanzania.
The USSSA Ball Games I officially get underway on Thursday, April 29, promising a thrilling showcase of school basketball talent across the country.
Traveling Squads
Boys traveling team:
Boys team pose for a photo with the head teacher
Ngaya Joseph, Ichut Agok, Sijin Makeny, Wal Wakow, Mading Machuo, Mustafa Hamuli, Gulan Amani, Augustin Bikanye, Mugabe Davis, Israel Ngakia, Ajang Ajeng, Atuhairwe Benjamin, Daudi George, Musiite Thiery Stephen, Amanyal Chuok Lam, Herbert Muhumuza.
Girls travelling team:
Girls team pose for a photo with the head teacher
Vivian Nakyanzi ©, Emily Lamunu, Anna Maria Nantale, Francesca Sony, Juliet Kaitesi, Janet Kwagala, Resty Nakibuuka, Melanie Ayieko Omondi, Sarah Adong Machar, Precious Nansamba, Christine Nakasujja, Jeniffer Imoja, Pricilla Yar Malex Chath, Abuol Agot Erijok.
Coach: John Omondi
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