Artiste Eddie Kenzo Musuza’s football academy dubbed Big Talent soccer academy has started tasting victory at tournaments about two years after inception.
The Villa Park based side came atop in the U13 Boys category during the 7th edition of the Watoto Wasoka Grand Slums Derby played over the weekend at Kazo grounds in Kawempe.
Big Talent soccer academy (U13) beat City Stars 3-2 in the final after a barren stalemate. In the Girls open category, Everton Uganda beat G-3 FC 7-6 in penalties after a scoreless draw. The kids played for 20 minutes with seven players aside.
Big Talent soccer academy manager Kent Junior, who formerly played along with Kenzo at Villa Park, said that they registered in the tournament not for victory but to enable the kids enjoy and practice what they train.
“Our focus is not about winning but developing players. Kenzo loves football very much despite music taking lead in his life and he loves seeing kids joyfully play. We spot these kids from across the country; we cater for their accommodation and school that is why you can see the chemistry,” noted Kent, who hailed the academy coach Joachim Ssekito.
According to Kennedy Stephen Sekabira, the Watoto Wasoka programmes manager, 113 teams partook in this year’s two-day edition which included 96 Boys teams and 17 for Girls.
Away from rewards to the Most valuable player (MVP), top scorer and best goal keeper, each participating team was given a certificate and a football. The previous editions have previously been held in Kisenyi, Mulago, Busega, Kamwokya, Kibuli and Kyambogo and the tournament, for the fourth time, had girls taking part with over 100 girls taking part.
The tournament provides a platform where kids can get spotted for sports for both primary and secondary school scholarships. It also gives these kids many lessons to learn because football is not about competition, but also encompasses how to live with each other focusing on fair play, team work among others.
Since inception in 2013, more than 200 kids have accessed sports bursaries and scholarships through this tournament that started in 2013. Vipers SC and Uganda Cranes play maker Moses Waiswa, who also went through the same tournament, graced the weekend action and urged the youngsters to stay focused, disciplined and determined.
Sparta FC won the first edition in 2013 before Super Heroes won back to back in 2014 and 2015. Uganda Martyrs, KJT and Mustada are the other winners.
Outstanding players
Boys U13
Top scorers
Thomas Ogema (8 goals) -Sparta 09
Best Coach
Isaac Ogogo -Soccer Star
MVP
Jawadu Jawad -Soccer Stars
Best Goal Keeper
Dirisa Kasumba -Soccer Stars
Girls (Open)
Top scorer
Latifah Nakasinde -Uganda Martyrs
Best Coach
Ali Ssekunda -Everton Uganda
MVP
Fatumah Nakasumba -Sparta 09
