USSSA Ball Games II: Kitende’s Netball Heavy Machine Rolls Over St Noa

By Kayiira Jackson 

St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende continued their dominance of Ugandan school netball after overpowering St Noa Girls Secondary School 26-17 in a thrilling semifinal encounter at the USSSA Netball Championship in Gulu.

The record winners of the championship, who were runners-up in the 2025 edition, produced a composed and disciplined performance to book their place in the final bend of the competition while also securing qualification for the FEASSA Games scheduled for August 12-22 in Morogoro, Tanzania.

From the first whistle at Gulu High School grounds, Kitende showed their championship pedigree, controlling possession, dictating the pace, and keeping St Noa under constant pressure. The match was effectively shaped in the opening half, with coach Nourdine Kato’s side taking a 15-9 lead before completing the job with a nine-goal advantage at full time.

St Noa Girls, who had earned their place in the championship after a successful petition against Kyantamba Secondary School, fought hard but struggled to break through Kitende’s organised defensive structure. They never managed to take the lead as Kitende maintained control throughout the contest.

The towering figure of shooter Angelina Nyemok once again proved decisive for Kitende. The tallest shooter at the tournament was outstanding under the post, converting opportunities with confidence while receiving quality service from shooting partner Basalirwa Hadijah.

The attacking combination was further strengthened by the creativity of midfielders Fatumah Namwanje, a new recruit from Kawanda Secondary School, and Rahmah Namuyomba, whose accurate feeds kept St Noa’s defenders constantly occupied.

Kitende’s defensive department was equally impressive, with Scovia Nabuyondo and Teopista Acen forming a formidable partnership that frustrated St Noa attackers Jamirah Nansimbe and Trisha Nalumansi. The duo produced crucial interceptions, repeatedly disrupting St Noa’s attacking attempts.

The defensive pressure forced St Noa to work extremely hard for every opportunity, with the team often needing seven to 12 passes before reaching their centre in the shooting D.

The victory set up a mouthwatering final clash with defending champions Buddo Secondary School, who defeated Hamdan Islamic Secondary School 22-19 in the other semifinal.

To reach the semifinals, Kitende had earlier eliminated Light College Katikamu 28-16, while St Noa edged Katende Progressive 24-23 in a closely contested quarterfinal.

Buddo SS reached the last four after defeating Kibuli SS 23-16, while Hamdan Islamic SS overcame Greenlight Islamic 20-18.

With the top four teams earning qualification for the FEASSA Games, Kitende and Buddo now turn their attention to a decisive battle for national school netball supremacy, with both sides carrying a rich history and championship ambitions.

 

Quarterfinal Results

Kibuli SS 16-23 Buddo SS

Light College Katikamu 16-28 St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende

Katende Progressive 23-24 St Noa Girls SS

Greenlight Islamic 18-20 Hamdan Islamic SS

Semifinal Results

Buddo SS 22-19 Hamdan Islamic SS

St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende 26-17 St Noa Girls SS

Final

Buddo SS vs St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende (Final fixture)