In Uganda’s dynamic football landscape, where young talent emerges with promise and passion, one name echoes with quiet consistency Coach Male Abel Daniel. A man of few words but immense impact, Coach Abel stands as one of the most respected youth football developers in the country. His dual role at Vipers SC and St. Mary’s Secondary School Kitende (SMASK) has positioned him at the heart of football excellence in Uganda.
The Foundation of a Legacy: St. Mary’s Kitende.
St. Mary’s Kitende is not just a school; it’s a football powerhouse. For years, SMASK has dominated national and regional football tournaments, becoming a breeding ground for elite players. Behind this success is a system rooted in discipline, structure, and world-class coaching and Coach Male Abel has been a cornerstone of that system.
Since joining SMASK, Coach Abel has dedicated his career to identifying raw talent from all corners of Uganda and turning them into national stars. His ability to nurture young boys into composed, intelligent, and technically sound footballers has been a game-changer for the school’s dominance.
With Abel’s guidance, SMASK has secured major titles, including:
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Copa Coca-Cola Champion – 2019
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Elite Schools Championship – 2019
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Buganda Cup – 2019
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Copa Coca-Cola Runner-Up – 2012 & 2016
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FEASSSA (East Africa) – 3rd Place – 2017
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USSSA National Champions – 2023
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CAF African Schools Champions – 2023
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CAF U-15 Schools Championship – 2023
- USSSA National Champions – 2023
These accolades tell part of the story but the real legacy lies in the players who’ve passed through his hands.
Vipers SC: The Next Step in the Pathway
Coach Abel’s transition into Vipers SC, one of Uganda’s premier football clubs, has been a natural progression. His deep understanding of youth development, game reading, and player psychology makes him an asset at the top level.
At Vipers, he’s not just an Assistant coach he’s a mentor. Many of the club’s current stars once trained under him at the school level, creating a continuity of trust and growth that’s rare in modern football.
Players Coached by Coach Abel Now Playing at Top Level
Coach Male Abel Daniel’s legacy is written not only in trophies but in the players who have risen to national and international prominence. Below are some of the standout talents he mentored at the school and youth level, now thriving at Vipers SC and beyond:
Currently at Vipers SC:
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Katongole Frank – amid fielder from SMASK with solid positioning and leadership.
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Luyima Enock –Left Back.
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Torach Rogers – Calm, intelligent center-back with excellent game reading.
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Walusimbi Abubakali – Hard-tackling midfield enforcer shaped at SMASK..
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Ogwang Isaac – Prolific forward, developed at Risah High School under Coach Abel.
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Wadada Nicholas – Reliable wingback with deep roots in Lugazi United.
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Komaketch Jack – Goal Kipper from SMASK with technical brilliance.
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Kigundu Dennis – Goal Kipper from SMASK with technical brilliance.
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Wakenge (DRC) – amid fielder dynamic foreign talent who found structure under Abel’s coaching.
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Isabirye Reagan – Center Back
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Bugembe Issa – Hard-tackling midfield enforcer shaped at SMASK.
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Tumwesigye Farouk – Energetic playmaker with a sharp eye for goal.
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Watambala Karim – Visionary midfielder with flair and creativity, product of SMASK’s elite setup.
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Allan Okello – The Kibuli SS sensation, refined and encouraged by Coach Abel early on.
Other Rising Star:
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Katumba Edgar William – A technically gifted attacker, previously under Coach Abel’s mentorship and now playing for Enticelles FC in Rwanda Premier League. Known for his versatility in positions 7, 8, 10, and the left wing, Katumba is an example of Abel’s long-lasting impact on player development beyond Ugandan borders.
Major Achievements with Vipers SC as Assistant Coach
Coach Male Abel Daniel has played a pivotal role in Vipers SC’s golden era, serving as a dedicated and tactically sharp Assistant Coach. His behind-the-scenes influence, youth development insights, and matchday preparation have been instrumental in the club’s major title wins:
Honors & Achievements
🟥 With Vipers SC (as Assistant Coach):
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Uganda Premier League Champions 🏆
– 2021/22, 2022/23, 2024/25 -
Stanbic Uganda Cup Winners 🏆
– 2023, 2025 -
FUFA Super Cup Champion 🏆
– 2015 -
Pilsner Super 8 Cup Winner 🏆
– 2019
As Assistant Coach, Coach Abel has seamlessly bridged the gap between youth development and top-tier performance, helping integrate young talent into a winning squad and supporting the technical team in securing domestic dominance.
Coaching Philosophy
“It’s not just about winning trophies—it’s about building characters, inspiring dreams, and preparing players for the next level.”
– Coach Abel Daniel
With unmatched passion and discipline, Coach Abel continues to contribute to the growth of football in Uganda through education, mentorship, and high-performance coaching at the elite level.
