TEPA eyes redemption at USSSA nationals

Teso Progressive Academy (TEPA), one of the leading football powerhouses in the Teso sub-region, has set its sights on the USSSA National Boys’ Football Championship, scheduled to run from May 5 to 15, 2025, at Ngora High School in Ngora District.

TEPA’s head coach, Francis Ogwang, attributed the school's underwhelming performance in previous tournaments to inadequate preparation.

However, he affirmed that a new and improved strategy is now in place.

TEPA last appeared at the USSSA Nationals in 2023, hosted in Fort Portal, where they were eliminated in the group stages.

In response to that disappointing run, the academy has adopted a revamped approach. This includes participating in the North East Regional League to give players more competitive exposure. The team has also organized a series of friendly matches to refine tactics and build match fitness.

“We’ve deliberately scheduled friendly matches to help the boys gain match rhythm and learn to handle pressure. I’m hopeful this will work in our favor,” Ogwang said. He emphasized that their participation in the regional league goes beyond immediate results, focusing also on long-term player development.

The 10-day National Championship, hosted at Ngora High School in Eastern Uganda, is organized by the Ministry of Education and Sports in partnership with the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA). The tournament has attracted participants from 64 schools, involving over 1,500 athletes and 800 officials.

Eliphaz Opolot Ewalu, the head teacher of the hosting school, confirmed that preparations were complete. “Everything is now in place. We are ready for the competition. Local business owners from Ngora and neighboring districts have already secured spaces for their stalls,” he said.

Andrew Ogirot, head of security and a member of the local organizing committee, assured the public of a peaceful and secure championship. “There’s enough manpower to patrol the accommodation areas and playing grounds,” he stated.

Ngora High School's sports director, Peter Okwii, expressed confidence in his team’s chances, stating their goal is to win the national boys' trophy. “We are prepared to defeat any team that comes our way. The boys have worked hard, and we’re determined,” Okwii said.

By Tuesday morning, 54 schools had already confirmed their participation. These included Uganda Martyrs Lubaga, Divine College Buyaga, Kabalega SS, Arengship SS, Quality High School Buikwe, Greenlight Islamic School, St Gerald’s SS, Kibuli SS, Buziga Islamic School, Masindi SS, Luweero SS, Amus College School, Lake Side SS, Garama SS, Labira Girls SS, St Julian High School Mukono, Mehta SS, Kyadondo SS, Agape SS, St Mary’s Rushoroza, Standard High School Zana, Highway Kiganda, Kichwamba High School, Jinja Progressive Academy, Bishop Agello, Ibanda SS, Namagabi SS, Kisozi Seed, Menta SS, Lubiri SS, Mt Zion High School, Panyadoli SS, St Kagwa Bushenyi, Kawempe Muslim, Lira Town College, Lubongi Army SS, Jinja Comprehensive Academy, Mvara SS, Nyamitanga SS, Bukedea Comprehensive Academy, Wagwa High School, Ndejje SS, and Nabumali High School.