Airtel-Masaza Cup final
Saturday, Namboole
Busiro vs Bulemezi, 3pm
Third place play-off
Buddu vs Kyadondo, 11am
Fee: Shs10,000, 20,000 and 100,000
Busiro and Bulemezi counties (Masaza) head into this Saturday’s 2019 Airtel-Masaza Cup final seeking their maiden and second title respectively.
Busiro are into their maiden final with their best performance in the tournament coming in 2017 when they lost to Buddu in the third place play-off.
Bulemezi are in their third final and they already tasted the joy of winning the much coveted title when they were champions in 2012.
Ahead of the final that will be graced by the Kabaka (King) of Buganda His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and UNAIDS officials, Busiro coach Deo Sserwadda and Bulemezi coach Simon Peter Mugerwa are all optimistic ahead of the much anticipated final.
Mugerwa has ever won the title with Buddu as an assistant in 2016 and believes he has best chances of lifting his first title as head coach –having lost to Singo last year when he was in charge of Buddu. He is the Bright Stars FC assistant coach and also Buddo SS coach.
Mugerwa won the 2018 national Copa Coca-Cola and East Africa titles with Buddo SS, UMEA CUP with Masaka SS and 2015 East African title with Masaka SS.
Busiro under former SC Villa coach, who won Kyambogo University their maiden Pepsi University football league title last year, will rely on Mickdad Ssenyonga, Ivan Sserubiri and Andrew Kigozi who feature in the StarTimes Uganda premier league as well as second tournament top scorer Gerald Ogwet, who has netted five so far, two behind lead scorer Denis Mwemezi of Ssese and Vipers SC. “We have defended well in the four friendly games we have played and this gives me courage,” noted Sserwadda.
At Bulemezi, Mugerwa will be buoyed by his rich midfield of Ronald Sekiganda, Dirisa masembe, Kafumbe Mashood as well as a commanding Amir Nalukoda in goal. “We are going to play our normal game. The boys are ready to attack because Busiro is a little defensive,” noted Mugerwa.
Busiro who were in Bulange group ejected former champions Buddu at the semifinals while Bulemezi who were Butikiro group saw off Kyadondo to reach their third final. Muganzirwazza and Masengere were the other groups.
The winner will get Shs12m cash prize while the second, third and fourth placed side will get Shs9m, Shs7m and Shs5m respectively courtesy of sponsors Airtel-Uganda.
This year’s final will be live on BBS TV and will be watched by UNAIDS officials as the Kabaka is the UNAIDS ambassador on HIV/aids.
UNAIDS and the Buganda Kingdom will soon sign a partnership to work together in the fight against HIV/aids epidemic.
