MACOS Reign Supreme in Central 7s as National Ball Games II Slot Secured

Makerere College School (MACOS) have stamped their authority on the Central 7s Schools’ Rugby series with a commanding overall triumph that not only crowns them regional champions but also books their place at the National Ball Games II, where they will carry the region’s flag with growing confidence and ambition.

The Kampala-based institution, widely respected in school rugby circles and fondly known as MACOS, delivered a consistently strong campaign marked by discipline, attacking flair, and resilience under pressure. Across the four circuits, they asserted themselves as the team to beat, winning three legs of the competition and showing remarkable maturity for a side still in development, only faltering in the second circuit where they were edged out by London College School in a tense sudden-death finish.

That lone setback, which came at the St. Joseph’s Nazareth grounds in Katende, proved to be more of a turning point than a stumbling block, as MACOS regrouped and regained momentum to finish the series at the summit with 85 points. London College School, who pushed them closely throughout the campaign and finished on 79 points, also earned qualification to the national stage after an impressive and consistent showing of their own.

The Central 7s series itself was shaped by a dynamic and shifting competition structure, beginning with an unexpected adjustment when the opening circuit, initially scheduled for King’s College Budo, was relocated to London College following Budo’s withdrawal.

The remaining circuits were staged at St. Joseph’s Nazareth, Kambogo College, and eventually concluded at the Makerere University Rugby Grounds, which provided a fitting backdrop for the decisive final round of the regional contest.

In the final circuit, MACOS elevated their performance to another level, navigating the group stages with authority and control, driven by the inspiring leadership of captain Lamot Magali, whose composure and game management proved crucial in guiding the team through high-pressure moments.

Their most demanding test came in the semifinals, where they were pushed to the limit by St. Peter’s Naalya (SPENA), eventually edging a tightly contested encounter 14-10 in a match that demanded defensive discipline and mental strength.Having survived that stern examination, MACOS carried their momentum into the final with renewed confidence and delivered a polished performance against familiar rivals London College.

In a decisive display of structure and execution, they secured a convincing 21-5 victory to seal the championship in emphatic fashion and underline their superiority across the region.Head coach Josiah Ssempeke hailed the achievement as a product of steady growth, structured preparation, and the players’ commitment to the team philosophy, noting that the success reflects a system that is gradually bearing fruit and building a strong foundation for future competitions.

“The title means a lot to us all. It is a confidence booster to the boys, and it means our systems are working, and we just have to keep doing what is working and do much more to consolidate the success we have attained this year.”

– Josiah Ssempeke, Head Coach, Makerere College

MACOS’ journey to the title was reinforced by dominant group-stage displays that set the tone for their campaign, including a 41-00 win over Vienna College, a 47-00 demolition of St. Joseph’s Nazareth, and a hard-fought 19-10 victory over Hana International, results that highlighted both their attacking power and ability to manage tighter contests.

Their resilience was further tested in the knockout stages, where they overcame St. Peter’s Naalya 14-10 in a tense semifinal before completing their campaign with a comprehensive 21-05 win over London College in the final, sealing a well-earned regional crown.

With their Central 7s title now secured, Makerere College shift focus to the National Ball Games II, where they will seek to translate their regional dominance into national success as they prepare to face the country’s elite school rugby programs on a bigger and more demanding stage.