The UHA Pearl of Africa Women’s Cup 2025 took center stage at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds on Sunday, March 9th, with hockey action in both the clubs and schools categories.

Kakungulu Memorial School put on a dominant performance, winning all their group matches without conceding a single goal.

Their experienced squad, consisting entirely of players who feature in the National Hockey League, proved too strong for their opponents.

The real battle was for second place, with Naalya SS securing a crucial 1-0 victory over City High, courtesy of a late winner from Jovia Nabbowa, to finish ahead of defending champions Kyadondo SS on goal difference.

Both teams had collected four points, but Naalya’s defensive resilience (conceding five goals to Kakungulu compared to Kyadondo’s seven) gave them the edge.

The KHC Swans dominated the club competition with a perfect record, comfortably topping the standings with two big wins 4-0 against both DCU and Weatherhead.

The fight for second place saw Weatherhead edge out DCU 1-0, thanks to a decisive goal from Lydia Dhamuzungu, earning them a place in the final.

However, the Swans proved unstoppable once again, defeating Weatherhead 4-0 in the final, mirroring their group-stage result.

In the final, Kakungulu outclassed Naalya with a resounding 5-0 win, cementing their status as the best school team in the tournament.

Sandra Namusoke was the star of the show, bagging a hat-trick, while Ninsima Pauline added the fourth to seal the title

Top Scorers (Schools)

• Juliet Babirye – 5 goals (Kakungulu Memorial School)
• Jolly Alimo – 5 goals (Kakungulu Memorial School)
• Nakato Juliet – 5 goals (Kakungulu Memeorial School)
 Top Scorers (Clubs)
• Lucky Akello – 3 goals (KHC Swans)
• Sandra Namusoke – 3 goals (KHC Swans)

Best Goalkeeper (Schools) : Sydney Athieno (Naalya SS)
Best Goalkeeper (Clubs): Melissa Nauleme (KHC Swans)
Most Valuable Player (Schools): Jolly Alimo (Kakungulu Memorial School)
Most Valuable Player (Clubs): Alaro Winnie (KHC Swans)

With the UHA Pearl of Africa Women’s Cup concluded, focus now shifts back to the UHA National Hockey League, which resumes on the weekend of March 15th and 16th.

Additionally, the Uganda U21 National Team training camp kicks off on Monday, March 10th, at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds, as preparations for Junior Africa Cup 2025 begins.