2017 Airtel Masaza Cup
- Finals: Gomba 1-0 Ssingo
- 3rd Place match: Buddu 4-2 Buddu
Individual Accolades
- MVP: Frank Ssemakula (Busiro)
- Best Goalkeeper: Juma Kirabira (Gomba)
- Top Scorers: Joseph Janjali (Gomba) and Steven Mukwala (Ssingo) – 8 goals each
Gomba Lions roared loudest as they pipped Ssingo 1-0 to claim their fourth Airtel Masaza Cup at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.
Nicholas Kabonge scored the all important goal in the 68th minute in a well contested final watched by His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II among hundreds of football passionate spectators.
Simon Ddungu coached side is now the record holders of the tourney, following victories in 2004 during the maiden tourney, 2009, 2014.
In the third place playoff match, Buddu came back from two goals down to shock Busiro 4-2 during the early kick-off duel.
Richard Kalule scored in the 6th and 35th minutes as Busiro took a two goal cushion heading to the half time break.
Micdad Ssenyonga, Frank Ssebuufu, Ivan Sserubiri’s penalty and Ivan Kato sealed the feat for Buddu in a remarkable come back to claim third place that came along with bronze medals and a cash prize of Shs5M.
Busiro pocketed Shs3M for the 4th place finish.
The champions were rewarded Shs10M, a trophy and gold medals. Ssingo took home silver medals and Shs7M.
Joint tournament top scorer, Joseph Jjanjali of Gomba (with 8 goals as Ssingo’s Steven Mukwala) returned to the winning podium just like last year as he did with Buddu.
Unlike in the 2016 final when he was down with fever, Jjanjali this time round played in the final.
Over the years, the Masaza tournament has proven as the biggest crowd pulling championship in Uganda and a fertile platform to expose talents.
Uganda Cranes stars as Emmanuel Okwi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Robert Odongkara, Yasser Mugerwa, among others are testament in this noble cause.
Airtel Masaza Cup All Winners
- 2017 – Gomba
- 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