Denis Musanje
The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) has refuted social media claims regarding the age of St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende player Santos Manyiel Marial.
Social media claims revealed Santos was 14 years old but USSSA has made clarity on the player’s age.
According to USSSA, Santos was born on August 20th, 2005 with his date of birth officially verified in his student’s pass, a visa document issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The Pass is the mandatory requirement for all international students participating in the USSSA competitions.
Santos missed a penalty in Kitende’s final defeat to rivals Buddo SS in Ngora District last week. The senior five student is in his final year of eligibility for USSSA sanctioned school competition. Students under the age of 20 are eligible to feature at the prestigious national Boys’ football championship.
USSSA President Justus Mugisha expressed his disappointment over the social media claims making rounds
“We are deeply disappointed by the false accusations targeting this student and his school. Such unfounded claims not only harm the reputation of the individual involved but also threaten the integrity of school sports in Uganda,” said Mugisha as quoted by USSSA
Buddo SS under the stewardship of Richard Malinga came out on top Ngora clinching their third national title after triumphs in 2009 and 2018.
