1st Sunny Magezi Academy football tournament
Final:
- Kahaara 1-0 Creamland
Third-place play-off:
- Kijenga United 1-5 Katafali
Individual Awards:
- Top scorer: Rashid Simon Tugonza (Katafali) – 6 Goals
- Best Defender: Marvin Carie (Creamland)
- Best Goalkeeper: Norbert Klits (Creamland)
- Best fan: Zubeda Karungi (Kahaara)
Grassroots football in Masindi Municipality is much alive accruing from the bold testament of the raw talent on the show and massive overwhelming support during the successful first ever edition of the Sunny Magezi Academy football tournament.
Hundreds of spectators graced the grand finale at the Sunny Magezi sports ground in Kinuuma village as Kahaara edged a hard-battling Creamland 1-0 to lift the trophy that was accompanied by a Bull, gold medals and a brand-new set of jerseys.
Simon “Fermino” Kugonza scored the all important goal in the finale also attended by local leaders.
“It was humbling to win the Sunny Magezi Academy tournament and also score the winning goal. The crowd was massive and cheered us every time. I wish we are exposed so that we get big clubs and develop our talent” Kugonza who is christened “Fermino” confessed.
Creamland won silver and a goat with a set of jerseys, just like the other semi-finalists.
The silver medalists also produced the best goalkeeper Norbert Klits and defender Marvin Carie as Rashid Tugonza of Katafali scored six goals to win the golden boot.
Katafali whipped Kijenga United 5-1 in the third place match to earn bronze.
Wilson Taremwa put Kijenga United ahead inside the opening five minutes but Katafali’s reaction was intense and swift.
Johnson Ayesiga and Julius Assimwe scored a brace apiece whilst Brian Isingoma got the other goal in the goal galore.
The tournament coincided with the first anniversary of the Sunny Magezi Academy; a nursery and primary institution started by the Aliguma Foundation to promote education, self empowerment, create opportunities and change lives for the better.
Earlier in the day, the first grade three class of lower primary graduated with the rich guest list also including Ms Lana Surface, the head of culture and education at the American Embassy in Uganda, Buruli County Member of Parliament Hon. Aled Akugizibwe, special guests from Slovenia, area leaders, parents and other well-wishers.
We are humbled to have the first graduating class of our pupils at the Sunny Magezi Academy. Ebenezar! The Lord has been good to us. We have had a busy week of school activitations including; inclusion (to promote equal opportunities for all), road safety and education for her. I appreciate all the sponsors and partners that have walked the journey with us. The UEFA Foundation for Children, American Embassy, Global Sports Mentorship Programe, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Chocho Sports Foundation and others.
Ritah Aliguma, Founder and CEO of Aliguma Foundation
I thank the entire Aliguma Foundation for the education, sports programs and other community engagement projects they are executing. At Sunny Magezi Academy, I see Uganda’s future doctors, engineers, teachers, members of parliament and maybe Uganda’s future Ambassador to the United States. We pledge maximum support and thank you for the aspect of community engagement.
Lana Surface, the head of culture and education at the American Embassy in Uganda
As leaders, we are always pleased to see such projects of community engagement. Projects that promote education, road safety and inclusion for all. We are humbled for the Aliguma Foundation and pledge total support.
Hon. Aled Akugizibwe, Buruli County Member of Parliament
The organizers testify that this tournament will be an annual event for the local communities.
Semi-finals:
- Katafali 0-3 Kahaara
- Kijenga United 1 (3)-1 (4) Creamland
Quarter finals:
- Kahaara 1-0 K.B United
- Katafali 0 (5) – 0 (3) Basuubuzi
- Kijenga United 2-1 Kiryana
- Creamland 0 (5) – 0 (4) Goroora United
Group stage games:
Group A:
- Kahaara 4-0 Basuubuzi
- Goroora United 1-1 Kahaara
- Goroora 2-1 Riders
- Riders 0-3 Kijenga
- Rising Stars 1-2 Basuubuzi
- Kijenga United 1-0 Rising Stars
Group B:
- Kibaali 0-2 Kiryana
- K.B United 0-0 Creamland
- Katafali 3-1 Kabutukuru
- Katafali 2-0 Kibaali
- Kabutukuru 0-3 Creamland
- KB United 1-0 Kiryana
