Fortebet and Real Stars Sports Agency honoured three sportsmen for excelling in September in their respective sports disciplines while Yusuf Baliruno of Uganda received special recognition with a lifetime achievement award.
At the awarding ceremony held on Tuesday October 6 at Molecule Restaurant in Kololo, winners were considered from netball, boxing, and golf.
In netball, Africa Cup of Nations Netball Championship most valuable player Shadia Nasanga was picked for her third award from the Fortebet Real Stars Sports monthly awards this time overcaming stiff competition from teammates Margaret Baagala and Christine Namulumba Kango.
Upon receiving her accolade presented to her by Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Uchanda who stepped in as a special guest, Nasanga forwarded the award to the entire netball fraternity: “This accolade is a greatness to the entire netball fraternity from teammates, coaches, management and the fans that travelled to Kenya to cheer us up.”
However, the Netball Uganda President lightened up saying, “Everyone in netball did a tremendous job to see the team winning but for Shadia it was something beyond extra. she led the team, scored goals and assisted her partner Christine Namulumba Kango upfront to see the revenge executed. Always we have been number two; now we are number one.”
In boxing, Farahat Manirola secured a big win from a rematch against Georgii Chelokhsaev whom he defeated again with a unanimous judge decision at the Vologda Sports Palace in Vologda City Russia. The determined boxer dubbed as the nightmare travelled to Russia with the Fortebet Real Star accolade as one of his goals.
“I told the organizers that I was going to Russia to win so that I would return at this stage as a winner. I am grateful to Allah that I have been able to find my way back to the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards winners list; I am a real nightmare. He edged out Muzafaru Ssebuliba and Stanley Mugerwa for the accolade.
In golf, professional Ronald Rugumayo beat fellow professionals Willy Deus Kitata and Abraham Ainamani for the September accolade with his triumphs at the Uganda Professional Open, the MTN Pro Tee tournament and the Pearl of Africa Sunshine Development Tour.
For the Lifetime Achievement Award, Yusuf Baliruno of Uganda—the Masaza Cup boy—combines status as a veteran journalist and a footballer during his days on the pitch prior early 2000s.
The former defensive midfielder who became a reliable sweeper finally got the deserved recognition and stated, ‘I am extremely happy that finally someone has seen my influence toward the sports industry football in particular. I am still alive and this award also comes as a push for me for more years. Today is me and tomorrow will be someone else, therefore I urge the young ones to work at whatever they do with love and full commitment.’
The event was well-attended by many veteran journalists, Honorable Kayemba Solo a prominent Football agent and Netball Uganda President Joselyne Uchanda.
Fortebet was represented by Resty Mbatidde Namugema, Laura Kahunde for Jude Colour Solutions and Isaac Mukasa led the event as the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Stars Sports Agency.
