MTN Busoga Masaza Cup 2024

Bugweri FC Entuudhi (2) – Busiki FC (0)

Peter Calvin’s goal in the 57th minute of the second half of the opening game of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup 2024 tournament helped his team, Bugweri FC Entuudhi, seal an opening day victory.

Busiki FC, the defending champions in last year’s MTN Masaza Cup who were also visitors at Bugweri district playground were beaten by Bugweri Entuudhi 2-0 in a heated game at Bugweri district headquarter playground on August 3rd.  

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (2nd R) waving to his subjects as Busoga Kingdom's 2nd deputy Prime Minister Alhaj Osman Ahmed Noor (R) walks alongside him while at Bugweri district headquarter playground to officially flag off the match between Bugweri Entuudhi and Busiki FC during the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup tournament 2024. Photo by Donald Kiirya

The Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV flagged off the game that was watched by thousands of his subjects. 

The Kyabazinga who arrived at about 3:30pm, flagged off the opening game alongside Busoga Kingdom’s 2nd deputy Prime Minister Owek. Alhaj Osman Ahmed Noor, Issabalangira of Busoga Prince Samuel Zirabamuzale Nkuutu, Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Yudaya Babirye, Culture Minister Richard Mafumo, Minister of State for Youth James Mukembo, Sports Minister Amin Bbosa, Royal Chiefs and MTN Uganda officials among others. 

Upon arrival, Kyabazinga majestically walked around the playground as he waved to his subjects who had turned up to watch the game. 

The Monarch took to the centre and first displayed his impressive skills by kicking the ball, receiving applause from his subjects.  

He watched the opening match of the tournament that will see the 14 counties of Busoga Kingdom face-off at various playgrounds in all chiefdoms. 

From L-R: Busoga Kingdom Sports Minister Amin Bbosa, an MTN Official, Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV, Busoga Kingdom 2nd deputy Prime Minister Alhaj Osman Ahmed Noor (R), Issabalangira of Busoga Samuel Zirabamuzale Nkuutu and Busoga Kingdom's Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Yudaya Babirye singing the Busoga Anthem while at Bugweri district headquarter playground when officially flaging off the match between Bugweri Entuudhi and Busiki FC during the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup tournament 2024 on Saturday. Photo by Donald Kiirya

Both teams exhibited talent but Busiki’s morale declined after their own, Fahad Mukose, scored an own goal in the 36th minute of first half placing the home team Bugweri Entuudhi in the lead with a score of 1-0. 

In the second half, Peter Calvin scored the second goal for Bugweri in the 57th minute attracting applause and cheer from supporters who were closely watching the game. 

The match ended in a 2-0 win in favour of Bugweri Entuudhi, against Busiki. 

Bugweri Entuudhi’s head coach Emmanuel Balyejussa intensive training which included camping in Masaka helped his players win the defending champions.

“Last year I managed to watch the game between Busiki and Butembe FC and I got to know their tactics and how they play—I therefore built on this and started intensive training of my boys,” Balyejussa said, adding that they did not undermine the Busiki team. 

Supporters watching the game between Bugweri Entuudhi and Busiki FC after the official flag off of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup 2024 tournament at Bugweri district playground on Saturday. Photo by Donald Kiirya

Busiki’s head coach Denis Watuke said results were not good on their side after losing the game. 

“The team we played was tough and composed. It won after beating us 2-0 and it gained the three points but we still have five games and we hope to win them and get to the top of the table,” Watuke said. 

Watuke added that coordination of his players was not all that good, including others arriving late for the training. He said Bugweri was so creative but promised to improve on coordination, fitness and time management.    

Alhaj Osman Ahmed Noor commended the soccer fans for gracing the game in large numbers. 

He also hailed main sponsors MTN Uganda and other sponsors like Nile Breweries for sponsoring the Masaza tournament. 

Bugweri FC player (in yellow jersey) running with the ball past Busiki FC players (in red jerseys) during the opening match of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup tournament 2024 at Bugweri district headquarter playground. Photo by Donald Kiirya

Action will resume again this Saturday August 10th when Bukono takes on Bugabula at Ivukula sub county playground, Luuka Vs Kigulu at Kiyunga Saza ground and Bukooli Namayingo Vs Butembe at Namayingo P/S ground. 

On Sunday August 11th, Budiope will lock horns with Bulamoji at Irundu P/S ground and Bunha will take on Bukooli Bugiri at Buluuba Hospital ground.