Teso College Aloet aims to defend title at USSSA Soroti qualifiers

Silas Oluka, games teacher of Teso College Aloet (TCA), has confidently declared his team's readiness to retain their title at the upcoming USSSA Soroti District qualifiers.

The tournament, scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Soroti Sports Ground, will see TCA defend their crown after emerging victorious in the 2024 district qualifiers.

The 6km Soroti-Moroto Road-based institution has already showcased impressive form during the group stages, securing wins against Aloet Parents and Cornerstone. Seeded alongside Jerressar, Dakabela Comprehensive, Cornerstone, and Aloet Parents, TCA is demonstrating why they remain a formidable force in school football.

Strategic Preparation for Success
Oluka attributes his team's strong performances to meticulous training sessions, strategic planning, and unwavering determination. "With the rigorous preparation we've undergone, I believe we are well-positioned not only to defend our district trophy but also to compete strongly at the regional and national levels," he stated.

The coach emphasized that the squad has focused on enhancing technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning. "The team’s cohesion and camaraderie have flourished, fostering a competitive spirit and a shared commitment to excellence on the field," Oluka added.

Tournament Structure and Group Seedings
During the district games teachers' meeting held on March 23, 2025, at Soroti Secondary School Boardroom, twenty boys' and girls' teams were drawn into four groups of five teams each.

In the boys' category:

Group A: Teso College Aloet, Jerressar, Dakabela Comprehensive, Cornerstone, Aloet Parents, and Erimu College

Group B: Light SS, Soroti High, Alliance High, Tubur SS, Kamuda Parents

Group C: Crane High, Soroti Municipal, Holly Angels, Agora SS, Soroti SS, and Bethany Girls

Group D: Asuret Seed, Haddasa, Olila High, Gweri SS, Halcyon High School, and Aloet High School

For the girls' competition:

Group A: Olila, Echoes, Bethany Girls, Soroti SS, Immaculate

Group B: Aloet Parents, Haddassa, Holly Angels, Cornerstone, Halcyon

Group C: Kamuda Parents, Soroti HS, Dakabela Comprehensive, Tubur SS

Group D: St. Mary’s, Alliance, Agora, Gweri

Confidence in Experience
Team captain Opolot expressed confidence in his squad, noting that the core of last year's successful team remains intact. "Football can be unpredictable, but this time we're prepared. The same players who brought us victory last year are still here and stronger than ever," he said.

Tournament Logistics and Objectives
Joseph Ecegem, Chairperson of Soroti District Secondary Schools' Sports Association, revealed that eight playing grounds have been designated for the tournament, with teams rotating between venues.

"We are conducting this championship to select four boys' and five girls' teams that will represent Soroti City in the zonal qualifiers," Ecegem explained. "The boys' football competition will be hosted at Bishop Maraka College and Wiggins SS, while Ngora Girls will host the girls' event."

As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Teso College Aloet as they seek to maintain their dominance in school football and secure another shot at regional and national glory.