2016 Buganda Masaza football:
- Third place play off: Busujju 1 (4) – 1 (2) Kyaggwe
- Final: Buddu 1 (6) – 1 (5) Gomba
Buddu Ssaza won their first ever title of the Buganda Kingdom Masaza football tournament at Mandela National stadium on Saturday.
After losing last year’s final 5-0 to Singo at the same facility, Buddu revisited their strategies and energies towards working to win the 2016 edition.
Normal time ended one goal apiece from the two sides before Buddu held their nerves to win 6-5 in the tense post match penalty shoot out.
Gomba broke the deadlock when Lawrence Ssonko, a seasoned Masaza cup player powerfully rose to nod home the opener in the 20th minute and light the over 30,000 Namboole stands.
Hard working striker, Robert ‘Mukongo’ Mukongottya, a target for URA and Express equalized ten minutes later with a well struck volley.
Mukongottya, playing as a lone ranger because his partner in crime Joseph Jjanjali was ruled out at the 11th hour because of malaria, was as industrious as a queen bee in a busy hive.
After an all square normal time, FIFA referee Brian Miiro Nsubuga called for penalties straight away.
Arnold Sembuya, Geliga Atendele, captain Shakidu Mbaziira, Steven Muwawo and Robert Mukongottya scored for the victors as Marida Kuteesa missed.
For Gomba, midfield maestro Ivan Sserubiri, Nicholas Kabonge, Edward Satro Mayanja, Joshua Kalisa and Ali Hassan Luboyera were on target for Gomba.
Ponsiano Segonja and Mikadadi Ssenyonga, who had an incredible 90 minutes action missed their efforts.
In the earlier third place match, Busujju won 4-2 in the post match penalties over Kyaggwe after a one all draw of 90 minutes.
Kabaka Mutebi II handed over the glittering trophy and gold medals to the winners amidst wild celebrations.
Buddu earned Ug.shs 17M as prize money as the runners up pocketed Ug.shs 7M.
This was Buddu’s first ever Masaza football cup success.
Reactions:
Steven Bogere – Buddu head coach
After losing terribly last year to Ssingo, we went back to the drawing and planned afresh. I am so happy that we have won the title. I thank the players, managerment, the tournament organizers, media, the players and finally the fans
George Lutalo – Gomba Lions head coach
It is hard luck that we lost. Penalties are a typical lottery. I congratulate my opponents
Masaza Football Past Winners:
2004 – Gomba
2005 – Mawokota
2006- Kooki
2007 – Mawokota
2008 – Kyadondo
2009 – Gomba
2010 – Not Held
2011 – Buluri
2012 – Buleemezi
2013 – Mawokota
2014 – Gomba
2015 – Ssingo
2016 – Buddu
