As the Masaza Cup tournament of 2023 is due to kick off this Saturday, the head coach Richard Malinga of champion Mawokota FC vowed to squeeze out juice from the defending Busiro FC in the opening game that will be graced by the ‘Kabaka’ of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
Malinga said that it will be a tough game because he has prepared his lads very well during the residential training at Buwama and they will give the defending champion a run for their money.
‘’Although we respect the defending champion, we are very capable of upsetting them because we are a strong team and we have a better pedigree than them.’’ Malinga said.
He also said that the new manager Bugaya has facilitated the team very well and they are in a good shape to beat any team in the tournament.
The chairman of the organizing committee Sulaiman Ssejengo said that the fans are excited to have the 2023 Buganda Masaza Cup tournament return bigger.
“We have three groups for the 18 teams. We shall have 104 matches throughout this tournament and this means increased action time for the players and more visibility for the sponsors and partners. We thank the Kingdom of Buganda, all sponsors & partners, the Masaza chiefs, players and the media which has promoted this tournament.’’ Ssejengo said
He also revealed that the winner of this 19th edition will walk away with Ushs 50 M as cash prize in addition to the five balls and 50 jerseys that have been provided to each team curtsey of Airtel Uganda as the main sponsor, Centenary Banka and Plasmon paints.
The Katikiro ,’Owek’ Charles Peter Mayiga tagged football as a “sport and an industry” from which many derive a livelihood’’, He appealed to the for free-flowing football brand from all the teams something he say attracts very many fans.
‘’Football is a sport and an industry that employs many. I appeal to you (footballers to) respect the game. I also urge you to play quality football that attracts fans. The players and fans as well as administrators must be disciplined if we are to achieve our aspiration of professionalism in our tournament and this will help to attract more corporate companies as sponsors.’’ Katikiiro Mayiga cautioned.
He adds: “those managing the sport should plan, self-evaluate and focus. To be victorious in sport takes four things; discipline for players, discipline for managers, discipline for officials and discipline for the fans. The Kingdom of Buganda is the most recognizable brand in East and Central Africa and therefore we take this tournament very, very serious because it is recreational and a job as well.’’
The opening game will be played at Mutesa II Memorial Stadium (Wankulukuku) and entrance fees will be Shs 10,000 in open stands 30,000 for VIP while the gates will be opened at 9:00am on Saturday.
By George Bukenya