LÉO – The Maria Stella Yazura High School emerged as the champion of the second edition of the Provincial Director of Post-Primary and Secondary Education (DPEPS) Cup in Sissili on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The school secured the title at the Zio Abdoulaye Stadium in Léo, defeating the Léo Municipal High School in a closely contested penalty shootout.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the tournament began on April 20, 2024, featuring 13 teams from the Léo area competing under the theme of peace and social cohesion. The month-long competition culminated in a goalless draw in the final match, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout where Maria Stella Yazura clinched the victory with 5 successful penalties to 4.

The winners were awarded a trophy, a set of jerseys, a football, and 75,000 CFA francs, while the runners-up received a set of jerseys, a football, and 15,000 CFA francs. Additionally, each player from the winning team received a gold medal. The event also recognized the efforts of Notre Dame Private High School and the Provincial High School, which finished third and fourth, respectively, with their own sets of prizes.

Mimtiri Oualbéogo, the Provincial Director of Post-Primary and Secondary Education of Sissili and promoter of the event, praised the competition for fostering unity and excellence among students. He highlighted the importance of sports as a tool for social cohesion and personal development. Acknowledgments were also extended to the High Commissioner of Sissili, Tewendé Isaac Sia, and the sponsor, Dr. Seydou Bouda, for their support in making the tournament a success.

In addition to football, the DPEPS Cup also featured athletics competitions in triple jump, long jump, and the 80 meters race, further promoting athletic participation among the youth.