Kitende coach Zzungu targets fast start at African Schools Championship
We saw the draw. We are focused and ready to tackle game by game, starting with the hosts in the official opener,” Zzungu said after the official draw held in Zimbabwe’s capital.
St Mary's Kitende players during the flag off ceremony to Zimbabwe on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (Courtesy photo)
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2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship
Group A: Zimbabwe v Uganda (Monday 1:45 pm, Ngoni Stadium)
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St Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende head coach Hassan Zzungu says his side is ready to face any challenge when they kick off their 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship campaign against hosts Zimbabwe on Easter Monday in Harare.
“We saw the draw. We are focused and ready to tackle game by game, starting with the hosts in the official opener,” Zzungu said after the official draw held in Zimbabwe’s capital.
Uganda’s representatives have been placed in Group A alongside hosts Zimbabwe, Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo in what is seen as a tough group.
“At such a championship, it is important that you start strongly and win the opening game to build momentum for the rest of the games,” he added.
Kitende earned their place at the continental showpiece after winning the CECAFA zonal qualifiers, beating Ethiopia 3-1 on penalties following a goalless draw in the final.
The team has already held training sessions on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday as they fine-tune preparations ahead of the opener.
On facing the hosts, Zzungu remained confident despite the challenge.
“Playing the hosts is always difficult because of the home support, but we are prepared mentally and tactically to handle the pressure and compete strongly,” he noted.
The tactician also acknowledged the quality of opponents in the group but backed his team to rise to the occasion.
“All teams here are champions from their regions, so we respect them, but we believe in our teamwork, discipline and preparation to compete and get positive results,” Zzungu said.
A total of 16 teams will compete in the tournament, with Tanzania entering as defending boys’ champions.
The competition, now in its fourth edition, is one of Africa’s biggest school football platforms, bringing together top young talent from across the continent.
Pools
Boys
A: Zimbabwe, Uganda (St Mary’s Kitende), Morocco, DR Congo
B: Tanzania, Zambia, Senegal, Benin
Girls
A: Zimbabwe, Morocco, Zambia, DR Congo
B: Ghana, Guinea, Tanzania, Burkina Faso
Players
Goalkeepers: Hamidu Kasumba, Imran Ssebbale
Defenders: Shakur Ngobi, Haruna Kisakye, Eze Kombi, Elisa Mukasa, Shafiq Kitimbo
Midfielders: Bashir Edema, Akram Ssenyonga, Ivin Kakinda, Musa Kironde, Henry Muhoozi, Derrick Rwothomio
Forwards: Frank Musisi, Nicholas Kawooya, Livingston Kulata, Lucky Wanyama, Nabiru Kajumba, Owen Mukisa, Emmanuel Opio