Newly crowned Masaza Cup champions Gomba Lions won their fifth title in the annual competition after overcoming Buddu 3-1 during the final played at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende on Saturday,6th March 2021 behind closed doors.
The Lions’ head coach Ibrahim Kirya has since attributed this historic feat to good preparations of the team, superb teamwork, positive attitude from all the players, management and fans as well as diligence.
Gomba managed to win the 2020 Masaza Cup trophy because of excellent preparations. Right from the start, the team prepared well. The player recruitment process, the training regime itself and the numerous build ups helped us prepare physically and mentally. Also, there was teamwork and the unity element which brought a positive attitude among the players, technical personnel, management staff and the fans.
Ibrahim Kirya, Gomba Lions Head Coach
Kirya, also assistant coach at Sports Club Villa singled out the 2-1 quarter final victory over Bugerere as the key turning point for the team in the competition.
For the first time in the competition, we conceded first when we were playing against Bugerere. Coming from a goal down amid the rainy conditions at Njeru to win the game 2-1 was our key turning point. The fighting spirit, character, strength and determination elements were all shown in this match as progressed to the semi-finals. Of course all the other matches were equally as important but this quarter final match against Bugerere was exceptional.
Ibrahim Kirya, Gomba Lions Head Coach
Kirya worked with Davis Nnono Ssozi as assistant coach, Kawooya Feliex Ssekabuuza as technical director and Leo Ssekamatte as a technical committee member.
Mubarak Kiberu, the goalkeeping coach was on and off following commitments with the Uganda U-17 national team.
Tournament top scorer Charles Bbaale ( completed with 8 goals), left back George Kaddu and defender Fred Gift scored the goals for Gomba against Buddu in the finals only watched by a handful of fans.
Buddu’s consolation arrived from a perfect brushed header from Titus Ssematimba.
Ssematimba rose highest to nod home past goalkeeper Francis Anguzu off a telling corner-kick delivery by Sharif “Diallo” Ssengendo.
All-in all, Gomba won the championship unbeaten, recording 4 victories (in normal time) out of the 6 matches played.
The Lions had a comprehensive 4-0 win over Kabula in the opening Muganzirwazza group duel, outsmarted Ssese 4-3 and drew 1-all with Buddu at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
During the quarter-finals, Gomba recoveredfrom a goal down to beat Bugerere 2-1 to set up a date against Busiro.
Normal time of the semi-final contest against Busiro ended goal-less and in the post-match tense shoot-out, Gomba won 5-3 with substitute goalkeeper Peter “Dhaira” Katongole saving one kick.
Gomba Lions Winning Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Francis Anguzu, Peter “Dhaira” Katongole
- Defenders: Hamis Kafeero Dagada (Right back), George Kaddu (Left Back), Abdallah Ssentongo (Captain), Fred Gift, George Kiryowa
- Midfielders: Fred Athuwera, Ali Bayo Arshavin, Isaac Musiima, Derrick Mbowa, Colline Sseruwu, Ashraf Zizinga
- Forwards: Jackson Ssemugabi, Junior Juma Lutakome, Charles Bbaale
Technical Team:
- Technical Director: Felix Kawooya Ssekabuuza
- Head coach: Ibrahim Kirya
- Assistant coach: Davis Nnono Ssozi
- Technical Committee Member: Leo Ssekamatte
- Team Doctor: Vincent Kalungi
- Chairman Local organizing Committee: Mansur Kabugo
