Rines Secondary School finally cast aside years of heartbreak to be crowned 2026 USSSA Wakiso District/Zone girls’ football champions, edging St. Noa Girls’ Secondary School – Zana 3-1 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw in normal time.
The long-awaited triumph was forged through resilience and composure under pressure, as Rines overturned a first-half deficit before holding their nerve in a dramatic shootout to secure their maiden district title.
St. Noa struck first just before the interval, with Grace Kawino finding the breakthrough at the tail end of the opening half to hand her side a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
But the second half belonged to Rines. Guided by coach Isma Mukiibi, they returned with renewed intensity, dominating possession and launching wave after wave of attack in pursuit of an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off in the dying moments when Shamirah Nakabire capitalised on a poorly defended corner to level the contest, sending the final into a tense penalty decider.
From the spot, Rines proved clinical. Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi, Halima Mupyang, and Justine Ayerango all converted, while St. Noa faltered—Patricia Nayiga scoring their only penalty as Rebecca Nyakake, Dominic Angel, and Faith Nalwadda failed to find the net.
Goalkeeper Bridget Yuko Nansamba emerged as the defining figure, producing a remarkable display by saving three consecutive penalties to seal victory and end Rines’ long-standing misfortune in finals.
Elsewhere, Light High School Seguku secured third place with a narrow 1-0 win over Boston High School – Mpala.
Rines, St. Noa Girls’, Light High School Seguku, and Boston High School will now represent Wakiso at the national championships, but it is Rines who carry the tag of champions—at last rewriting their story with a breakthrough triumph.
The National championship will kick off on 29th April to 9th May at Seroma Christian High School in Mukono.
