Copa Coca-Cola kicks off in Masaka

May 08, 2017

The tournament official in charge of the screening desk, William Mawa told New Vision that they have received several petitions against 'illegal players.'

A total of 58 Secondary Schools have camped in Masaka for the 24th edition of the COPA Coca Cola soccer tournament.

The tournament will have matches played at St Henrys College Kitovu, Masaka Recreation Ground, Gayaza, Kimaanya and St Jude SS Kyabakuza.It is expected to be officially opened by the First lady,Janet Museveni on Tuesday.

The schools' screening exercise to eject illegal players was still ongoing at Masaka Secondary School mainhall by press time.

The tournament official in charge of the screening desk, William Mawa told New Vision that they have received several petitions against 'illegal players.'

"We are still hearing some appeals raised against some schools and we shall remove the culprits after hearing the petitions," he said.

In the mean time, the Masaka district security authorities have cautioned the schools against unnecessary movements at night in Masaka Municipality. Masaka region has been hit by incidents of pang wielding thugs who have terrorised the area since last year.

The Masaka deputy RDC,Joseph Ssekasamba told The New Vision that the security committee will team up with police to deploy around the
residential area for the players at Masaka Secondary School and the neighbouring schools.

The tournament soccer giants, St Marys Kitende coach, Joseph Kasana told The New Vision that his side was set to oust defending Champions
Kibuli SS.  The hosts Masaka Secondary School have also vowed to lift the tournament trophy.  "We have a strong team, we are determined to
break the record this time. Our players dominate the Buddu Masaaza champions," the schools head coach, Medi Sserwadda said.

Kibuli  has been lined up in group B along side  Soroti Municipality, Kibaale, Jipra, Bosten,Panyadoli and Kigezi College while St Marys
Kitende will face  St Gerald, Gombe SS, Kasese SS, Sebei,Nakaseke and Caltec and Gulu based Comboni in group D. The hosts Masaka SS in group A,has Nkoma,Welden,Jinja SS,Yale,Kamwenge and Amus SS.

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