Buddo S.S basketball team returns from continental glory, set eyes on global platform in Brazil

Overview:

The Buddo Secondary School Basketball team 3x3 (girls) successfully returned from Morocco where they clinched gold at the Africa schools’ basketball championship.

The Buddo Secondary School Basketball team 3×3 (girls) successfully returned from Morocco where they clinched gold at the Africa schools’ basketball championship.

Business at Entebbe International Airport temporarily came to a halt as excited students clad in the school uniform welcomed their heroines and heroes who traveled aboard Turkish Airlines on Friday evening.

Buddo SS girls basketball captain Christine Namyalo holds the trophy | Credit: David isabirye

“We had a great tournament. We were prepared to succeed physically and mentally. I give credit to my fellow teammates, coaches, school administrators, USSSA, Government of Uganda, media and the country at large. We are now determined for the world competitions.” Christine Namyalo, captain of the girls’ team remarked.

The Buddo Secondary School Girls Basketball team (3×3) won the Africa schools’ basketball championship after overcoming hosts Morocco 33-29 on aggregate over the two legs.

Buddo officials and players return from Morocco | Credit: David Isabirye

In the first leg, Buddo S.S won 21-16 and narrowly succumbed 12-13 in the final game.

The team of four had several players; Elizabeth Nakabugo (S1), Angella Auma (S3), Christine Namyalo (S4) and Happy Daisy Atukunda (S4); coached by John Jevish Omondi who was assisted by Marion Atwegyeise.

Head coach Omondi was full of praise for the girls’ team and pointed out that the learning curve is still on (particularly for the boys’ team).

“We played our hearts out. The competition was very tight but I am glad that we copied up well since we had trained well prior to the championships. Despite the huge height differences, our players copied, and garnered important lessons” Omondi revealed.

Head coach John Omondi addresses the media at Entebbe International Airport | Credit: David Isabirye

Buddo S.S girls’ team assistant coach Marion Atwegyeise addresses the media. She hailed the school management for the deliberate efforts to promote sports | Credit: David Isabirye

The boys’ team fell short to two host schools from Morocco; 21-08 and 21-04 before further losing to Niger and Gabon opposition.

Morocco won the boys’ cluster as Kenya earned silver.

Uganda’s delegation that was led by the Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports Rev. Duncans Mugumya safely returned home on Friday evening aboard Turkish Airlines.

We are very proud of Buddo Secondary School basketball team. They flew our flag gallantly high. We thank the players, coaches, school management, National Council of Sports (NCS), Ministry of Education and Sports and everybody whose role could not be underestimated. As USSSA, we shall continue with the deliberate plans to make schools’ sports in Uganda better and better.
Chris Mugisa Banage, CEO – Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA)