Sports 4 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Standard High School Zzana storms into U17 volleyball semis, eyes national title

Standard High School Zzana advanced to the semifinals of the USSSA Ball Games I U17 boys’ volleyball tournament after a 25-19 quarterfinal win over Ngora High School. Coach Yona Kaguma credits the team's league experience and composure for their success. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/standard-high-target-u17-volleyball-crown-after-storming-semis-5446484

Standard High School Zzana, known as Stahiza, secured their spot in the semifinals of the U17 boys’ volleyball at the USSSA Ball Games I with a hard-fought 25-19 victory over Ngora High School at UCU courts.

The quarterfinal was neck-and-neck until 14-14, when Stahiza pulled ahead decisively to win the set.

Head coach Yona Kaguma, in his first season with the U17 team since joining from Kinaawa in 2024, praised his players’ focus and battle-hardened edge from over 40 league games. Key attackers Moses Ifurange and Ryan Hovland, who play in senior leagues, provided crucial sharpness.

Kaguma highlighted a pivotal timeout at 14-14, instructing his center to target the top attacker, which turned the match.

The team, fresh off the Buganda regional title, juggles this tournament with Serie C playoffs against Nemo Guards. “We are a school of champions, and this is our priority,” Kaguma said.

Stahiza faces Seroma in the semis, while defending champions Hilton remain strong contenders after tense wins.

Day 4 U17 Boys Results:

Hilton 2-0 Kigando (25-11, 25-11)
Jinja College 2-0 St Joseph’s Rushasha (25-16, 25-19)
Wampewo Ntakke 2-0 Adelante Africa (25-13, 25-6)
Standard High 2-0 Charity College (25-15, 25-9)
Hilton 2-0 Kyamate (26-24, 25-22)
Trinity Catholic 2-0 Nyaka Voc (25-22, 25-20)
Seroma 2-0 St Paul’s Voc (25-16, 25-21)

Girls’ quarters saw Tororo Girls, Immaculate Heart, Bukedea, and Kinaawa advance.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)