This year’s (2020) Buganda Masaza Cup Football tournament was initially anticipated to kick-off in June this year but Covid-19 pandemic happened.
Sports was banned in March this year as a Covid-19 preventive measure by government only for the sector to be re-opened last month.
However, competitive play hasn’t returned to many sports disciplines due to the huge cost of implementing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) that were passed on on the night of loosening the noose on sports.
The guidelines to be followed in any competitive event are; players should be tested for Covid-19, 72 hours before the event/game (this test will expire in 14 days) and with tournaments, teams should be quarantined for the whole season of the competition.
It’s in line with these SOPs that the organizers of the Masaza Cup are reportedly set to unveil new tournament guidelines ahead of this year’s kick-off anticipated for sometime in November.
Sulaiman Sejjengo, chairman of the Masaza Cup, while speaking on Bukedde Radio weekend sports show revealed that this year’s showpiece could witness lots of twists and turns as compared to the previous editions.
“The playing format, venues, team camps and regular observance of the COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) as testing of COVID-19, temperature checks, frequent handwashing, sanitizing and wearing of masks will be emphasized at all times,” Sejjengo said.
“COVID-19 severely affected the 2020 Masaza Cup tournament in the different parameters. We have been forced to reason for a change from the normal format of the tournament. Now, we may have one legged matches in group stages with two rounds at the knock-out level and a grand finale. We are waiting for clearance from FUFA and Ministry of Health,” Sejjengo added.
Further reports suggest that, matches will be live on Television and radio as a must because the fans will not be allowed in the stadiums.
Further more, different play grounds within the Buganda Kingdom have been suggested to host the games. Some of the grounds suggested include; Mehta Stadium -Lugazi, Mityana Ssaza ground, Kasaana, Masaka Recreational Stadium and Champions Stadium – Mwererwe among others.
An official communication in regard to this development will be made by Buganda Kingdom.
