Lands minister Judith Nabakooba, has flagged off The Giant Stars, a school football team affiliated to Royal Giant High School, Mityana to Durban, South Africa.
The Giant Stars will compete in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Schools Championship to be held in Durban South Africa from 5th to 8th April this year.
During the flag off, Nabakooba urged the players to put God first in the competitions and work towards winning the competitions.
“These competitions are not only about Royal Giant High School, but Uganda as a whole.
“I thank the school administration for prioritising sports. Government is putting a lot of emphasis in promoting sports to harness talent especially among the youth ,” she said.
“I urge the players to have discipline, consistence and hard work. This will take you far. Those values are key in anyone’s success.”
Mr Benon Ntambi, the school’s director, commended the football players for working hard, saying that they have not qualified for the competitions by mistake. Ntambi however said the school still has some challenges such as lack of enough sportswear and other tools such as shin guards.
“I commend the team for the putting in the work to make sure that we reach this far as a team. It’s not easy but we managed to make it.
Frank Mulindwa, the team’s coach, said the team has been prepared enough to compete at continental level. He said the players are now more confident than in the past, something he said has come as a result of playing tough games.
“We have tried out best to build this team and now it is paying off. This team is more than ready to face off with continental giants. They are confident because they have faced tough teams in the past, and I believe we shall triumph,” he said.
The Giant Stars competed in the National Schools Competitions where they emerged victorious after beating some top sides such as St’ Mary’s Kitende, King’s College Buddo, Kibuli SS, among others.
They went on to compete in the regional school’s tournament (CECAFA Schools Championship) where they also emerged champions in East and Central Africa.
