Airtel-Masaza Cup Opener
Saturday, 3pm
Ssingo vs Ssese, Mityana
Shafik Bisaso will be looking to make it three out of three this year when he starts another journey with Singo FC in the 2019 Airtel-Masaza Cup that commences this Saturday at Ssaza grounds, Mityana with Ssingo hosting Ssese in the Masengere group.
The opener will be graced by the Kabaka (King) of Buganda His Majesty, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. Bisaso led Ssingo to last year’s title after a 12-11 win over Buddu in penalties following a 1-1 normal time draw in the final at the Namboole stadium.
The youthful tactician, who led Proline to automatic return to Premier league next season, has already bagged the StarTimes FUFA Big league and the Stanbic Uganda Cup titles this year.
Despite a 2-1 home loss against Busiro in a friendly on Monday, Ssingo are favorites against Ssese this Saturday as they aim for the third title in the competition they first won in 2015 with similar tactician beating same opponents like last year.
“We are set and ready to compete. It will not be easy because everyone looks at the defending champions. I do not want to look at history, we won last year and that is then, teams have prepared well and it will be tough taking it back,” noted Bisaso, who is the most successful tactician in the Airtel-Masaza tournament with four titles; two with Gomba and two with Ssingo.
Bisaso, who unveiled a 25-man squad on Monday, is assisted by Felix Ssekabuuza Kawooya. Ssingo will battle it out in Masengere group with Bugerere, Buvuma, Ssese and record three-time champions Gomba.
This year, the groups were named after the historical buildings of Buganda Kingdom including Masengere, Butikkiro, Muganzirwazza and Bulange. Each of the 18 partaking companies gets Shs5m on start but the prize money is increased per stage.
The winner Shs15m cash prize while the second and third have Shs10m and Shs7m at stake respectively. Airtel-Uganda are prime sponsors of the tournament with Centenary bank, Engule beer, Rwenzori water and BBS TV as co-sponsors.
The 2019 Masaza cup groups
MASENGERE GROUP
Ssingo
Bugerere
Buvuma
Gomba
Ssese
BUTIKKIRO GROUP
Buddu
Mawogola
Mawokota
Bulemezi
Kooki
MUGANZIRWAZZA GROUP
Busujju
Kabula
Kyaggwe
Butambala
BULANGE GROUP
Buwekula
Busiro
Kyadondo
Buluuli
Previous winners
2004 Gomba
2005 Mawokota
2006 Kkoki
2007 Mawokota
2008 Kyaddondo
2008 Gomba
2010 – not held
2011 Buluuli
2012 Bulemeezi
2013 Mawokota
2014 Gomba
2015 Ssingo
2016 Buddu
2017 Gomba
2018 Ssingo
