David GOMBE
In another twist, Amus College have returned to the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) national Boys’ Football after winning petition against Jinja Progressive Academy (JIPRA).
JIPRA had stormed the semifinals of the ongoing competition in Masaka after a 3-0 win over Amus College in the quarterfinal stage on Friday.
Immediately after the game, Amus College filed a petition claiming that JIPRA had used 4 ineligible players due to overage.
The players in question are Kibirango Eric, Mpasa Swabil, Jarieko James, and Masamba Yasin.
Following a thorough investigation conducted by the USSSA Disciplinary Committee on the 4th of May 2024 at Masaka Secondary School, the following findings were established:
1. Kibirango Eric possesses two licenses with conflicting information regarding his date of birth.
2. Masamba Yasin also holds two licenses with contradictory date of birth details.
3. Jarieko James is in possession of two passports, each indicating different dates of birth.
4. Mpasa Swabil’s status as a Senior five student is questionable due to the absence of UCE results.
Based on the inconsistencies identified and in accordance with Article 7 of the 2024 General Rules and Regulations on Eligibility, the aforementioned players are deemed ineligible to participate in the Secondary School Football
Consequently, the Disciplinary Committee has rendered the following decisions:
1. Jinja Progressive School have been found guilty and lose the match against Amus by forfeit and are relegated to the Classification Games.
2. Kibirango Eric, Mpasa Swabil, Jarieko James, and Masamba Yasin have been suspended pending verification of their identity and status.
The Teso region champions after winning the petition will face joint record competition winners St Mary’s Kitende in the Semifinal due today at Kitovu.
Ironically, Amus College reached the quarterfinal stage after winning a petition against another Jinja based side Jinja SS who were due to face JIPRA in the quarterfinals.
Semifinal Fixtures
*Kitende Vs Amus College
*Bukedea Comprehensive Vs St Julian