Weatherhead midfielder Collins Batusa was named the best of January 2024 in the hockey category during the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards session that happened on Tuesday, 6th February at Lazio Bar and Restaurant in Kololo, Kampala.
To win the award, Batusa beat competition from Kampala’s Lucky Akello and Wananchi’s Jordan Achaye, who were the other nominees.
Batusa was pivotal for Weatherhead in January as the side won both the men’s National Hockey League and Uganda Cup in the same month. He scored one goal in the league game against KHC Stallions and made an assist towards Maxwell Mugisa’s goal. Batusa also scored one of the four goals his side got during the cup final against Wananchi.
Batusa has been nominated twice for the same award but he finally won it following the second time of his nomination, something he delights in.
“It feels great to win this award because it gives you motivation to work hard,” Batusa said during his acceptance speech adding that; “I dedicate this award to the entire Weatherhead family and everyone who believes in me.”
Batusa finished as third overall league top scorer with 31 goals behind teammate Thomas Opio at 32 and Jordan Achaye in first place with 34. He also finished as the league’s MVP.
With the 2024 campaign around the corner, Batusa believes that Weatherhead will come atop the other sides in the men’s division. “We wish to repeat the success we had last season. We have a very good team and I believe we shall do well once again.”
Meanwhile, there were three other categories that were awarded on Tuesday.
In the table tennis category youngster Joseph Ssebatindira was named winner beating competition from Jemimah Nakawala and Jonathan Ssenyonga. The 9 year old went to Doha for the World Table Tennis Youth Contender where he managed to win again the U-11 category like last year in Cairo, Egypt. He thumped Saudi Arabia’s Faris Ali 3-0. Ssebatindira went on to win the U-13 category overcoming the host’s AbdulAziz Abdullah by 3-1.
In the rugby category Grace Nabaggala was named winner beating competition from Peace Lekuru and Malcolm Okello. The Kisubi Pacers and Lady Rugby Cranes Sevens hooker helped the Ladies to finish fourth in Dubai Challenger event. Nabagala collected 25 points with an addition of four from the conversion to make a total of 29 points.
Kamada Ntege was named winner in the boxing category beating competition from Isaac Zebra Jr and Farahat Manirola. Ntege won the ABU East and Central Regional title, he beat Ali Hamis Muzei from Tanzania at Club Obligato.
The Tuesday awards session was graced by Real Stars Sports Agency CEO, Isaac Mukasa, Fortebet Uganda ambassador Alex Muhangi and and Henry Zzimbe from Jude Color Solutions who are partners.
