Airtel Buganda Masaza Football Tournament 2017:
- Opening match: 13th May
- Buddu Vs Mawogola – Masaka Recreational Stadium, 3:00 p.m
There is a profound building euphoria as the official kick off date for the Airtel Buganda Masaza football tournament nears.
The official opening match for this year’s edition will be hosted by defending champions Buddu at the Masaka Recreational stadium, against Mawogola on the 13th May 2017.
His majesty the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II shall grace this match.
On Thursday, each of the 19 Masaza teams received 5 balls, 2 sets of branded jerseys and Ug.shs 5M ahead of the anticipated kick off.
The function was held at Bulange, Mengo – Kampala, the main headquarters of the historic Buganda kingdom.
Graced by the Buganda Prime Minister (Katikiro) Owek. Henry Peter Mayiga, the event was well attended by all the Buganda Masaza Chiefs, Kingdom officials, sponsors’ representatives and the media.
Title sponsors, Airtel Uganda Limited, who were ably represented by the company Marketing Director, Indrajeet Singh Kumar flanked by Remmy Kisakye, the Brand and Communications Manager.
With keen concern, Kumar noted that Airtel Uganda’s partnership with Buganda to run the Masaza football tournament has been long over due.
Kumar stated;
It is an honor to add the Masaza Cup – a Kingdom of Buganda legacy tournament that was started very many years ago – to our list of sports sponsorship.
Over the years, Airtel Uganda has come out strongly to support the growth of football in Uganda right from the grassroots through our all-inclusive Airtel Rising Stars tournament all the way up to the national football team, the Uganda Cranes. Masaza Cup fits perfectly in our sports portfolio.
The Katikkiro of Buganda Owek. Charles Peter Mayigga thanked Airtel Uganda for their support of Buganda kingdom activities.
We are very fortunate to have a partner that has shown interest and dedication to the development of football in Uganda at all levels.
We hold this tournament every year not only to boost the talent amongst the young people from Buganda Region but also to mobilize people living in Buganda to participate in development programmes and activities that boost their income levels.
He also thanked the media for their continued support over the life of the tournament and encouraged them to continue with the good work.
Over the years, Airtel Uganda has worked with the Buganda Kingdom on a number of projects, the most recent one being the 2017 Kabaka birthday run that attracted over 30,000 participants.
Masaza products:
Before he was tapped by KCCA, striker Brian Umony used to play at Kyadondo Ssaza where he created an avalanche of goal scoring opportunities and as well, scored for fun.
He later played at South Africa’s Super Sport, US Major League’s Portland Timbers, St George in Ethiopia and has been a regular Uganda Cranes player until he suffered a career threathening knee injury.
At Mawokota, Mike Sserumaga was an icon to the extent there was a treasured noisy musical instrument, a huge drum named after him.
He was later on poached by Kajjansi based K.B Lions before crossing to Police, URA, Vipers, SC Villa, Helsinborg in Sweden, Rwanda’s Rayon Sport, St George in Ethiopia and served the Uganda Cranes with passion.
Other stars as Emmanuel Okwi (Mawokota), Yassar Mugerwa (Gomba), Ivan ‘Ngong’ Bukenya (Mawogola), Sula ‘Malouda’ Matovu (Mawogola), Godfrey Walusimbi (Mawokota), Farouk Miya (Butaambala), Robert Odongkara (Mawogola), Ivan Anguyo (Gomba), Lawrence Ssonko (Bulemeezi, Singo), Robert Mukongottya (Buddu), Andrew Kyekulidde (Gomba), Fred Kyambadde (Bulemeezi and Singo), Nicholas Lubowa (Busiro), Robert Kalumba (Bulemeezi), Muzamiru Mutyaba (Mawogola), Yunus Sentamu (Bulemeezi), Nelson Senkatuka (Bulemeezi), Edrisa Lubega (Singo), Alex Ikanga (Gomba), Fiti Kagolo (Kooki), Mahdi Mukiri (Kooki and Mawogola), Muhammed Ssekebba (Buddu), Joseph Jjanjali (Buddu) and many others are some of the living examples that have lived large as graduates of the Masaza tournament.
The Buganda Masaza working committee members led by the chairman (Ssentebe) Sula Ssejjengo also graced the launch and the kits handover.
Other committee members in attendance included Samuel Mpiima (Vice chairman), Frank Bikeka (Vice secretary), Hon. Patrick Nsanja (Secretary), Francis Kitaka (Treasurer), Faridah Bongoley (Publicity), Festus Kirumira (Technical), Enock Seruma (Vice Technical) and committee member Owek. Hassan Kiyimba.
Buddu is the defending champion.
The full Buganda Masaza working committee:
- Chairman (Ssentebe): Sula Ssejjengo
- Vice chairman: Samuel Mpiima
- Secretary:Hon. Patrick Nsanja
- Vice secretary: Frank Bikeka
- Treasurer: Francis Kitaka
- Publicity: Faridah Bongoley
- Technical: Festus Kirumira
- Vice Techical: Enock Seruma
- Member: Owek. Hassan Kiyimba
Masaza Cup Football Champions (Since 2004):
- 2016 – Buddu
- 2015 – Singo
- 2014 – Gomba
- 2013 – Mawokota
- 2012– Bulemeezi
- 2011– Buluri
- 2010– Not Held
- 2009– Gomba
- 2008– Kyadondo
- 2007– Mawokota
- 2006– Kooki
- 2005– Mawokota
- 2004– Gomba
