Rafi, Nyola and Basangwa crowned February’s best at Fortebet Real Stars Awards

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Badminton star Fadillah Shimika Rafi, chess sensation Mark Nyola Wasswa, and footballer Richard Basangwa have been named the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Award winners for February.
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‎The trio was recognised on Tuesday, March 3, at a colourful ceremony held at Molecule Restaurant in Kololo, as the Real Stars Sports Agency continued its tradition of honouring outstanding performers across different sports disciplines.
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‎A total of nine nominees from badminton, chess and football made the shortlist, but it was Rafi, Nyola and Basangwa who stood out for their exceptional displays during the month.
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‎Rafi, the reigning Africa Senior Badminton Champion, clinched the badminton accolade following her gold medal triumph at the African championship in Botswana. She also impressed on home soil by reaching the Round of 16 at the Uganda International, further underlining her consistency on the continental stage.
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Speaking after receiving her accolade, Rafi expressed gratitude to the organisers for the recognition.
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‎“I appreciate the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards organisers for recognising me. I am really happy for this, the first in a while since I last won it. I am proud of my performance and I am looking to continue improving,” she said.
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‎In chess, Kampala University student Mark Nyola Wasswa emerged victorious after winning the Uganda National Chess Championship, where he overcame some of the country’s top-ranked players. Nyola, son of football legend Godfrey Nyola, beat fellow nominees Olivia Asiimwe and Sana Omprakash to claim the monthly honour.
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‎Football’s accolade went to NEC FC forward Richard Basangwa, who enjoyed a dream debut month by scoring four goals across the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup competitions. Basangwa edged out competition from Vipers SC forward Milton Karisa and UPPC Entebbe goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa.
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‎The ceremony attracted several sports stakeholders, including Uganda Chess Federation President Andrew Bakiza, Real Stars Sports Agency CEO Isaac Mukasa, and Fortebet representative Resty Mbatidde Namugema. Representatives from the host venue Molecule Restaurant and award designers Jude Colour Solutions were also in attendance.