St Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende will open their 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship campaign against hosts Zimbabwe on April 6 in Harare.
The fixture, confirmed following Thursday’s draw in the Zimbabwean capital, will serve as the tournament’s official opening match, kicking off at Ngoni Stadium at 13:45 and broadcast live on TV.
Uganda’s representatives have been placed in Group A alongside Zimbabwe, Morocco and DR Congo, setting up a demanding group-stage campaign.
Head coach Hassan Zzungu said the team is focused on navigating the group step by step, starting with the hosts.
“We have seen the draw. We are focused and ready to tackle game by game, starting with the hosts in the official opener,” Zzungu said.
Team captain Livingstone Kulata echoed that confidence, pointing to the team’s preparations heading into the tournament.
“For sure, we have prepared well with different sessions, including warm up games,” Kulata said. “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.”
Kitende are scheduled to hold their first training session on Friday, followed by additional sessions over the weekend ahead of Monday’s opener.
The Ugandan delegation in Zimbabwe is led by Hajji Twahil Kitezaala, with government officials Duncans Mugumya and Brighton Barugahare also part of the team.
Tanzania enter the tournament as defending champions in the boys’ category, while Ghana hold the girls’ title.
Uganda will also be represented among the match officials, with Isaac Ssentongo selected under the CAF Young Referees’ Programme.
