Kabaka to grace Masaza Cup opener as Kyaddondo seek revenge against Buweekula

Kyaddondo Ssaza will begin this year’s Masaza Cup campaign with a tough test against reigning champions Buweekula Ssaza in the tournament’s opening fixture.

The highly anticipated match, scheduled for June 13, will be hosted by Buweekula at National Teachers College Mubende. The fixture was confirmed during Tuesday’s group-stage draw, presided over by Robert Sserwanga and Masaza Cup organising committee chairman Sulaiman Ssejjengo.

The clash revives memories of last season, when Buweekula beat Kyaddondo twice in the Masengere group: 2-0 in Mubende and 2-1 at Kyaddondo’s home ground, Hamz Stadium Nakivubo.

The rivals have been drawn together again, this time in the Bulange group, which also includes Buvuma, Buddu, Busujju, and Buluuli.

Despite last season’s results, newly appointed Kyaddondo team manager Norman Ssamwanga Kaboggoza remains optimistic.

“We are not dwelling on what happened last season,” Kaboggoza said. “This is a completely new chapter for Kyaddondo, under fresh leadership and with renewed ambition. We are determined to rewrite history. I managed this team in 2008 when it won its maiden Masaza Cup title, and I have returned with the mission of ending the club’s 18-year trophy drought.”

Richard Kasumba, who led Buweekula to glory last season, was confident his side can retain the title.

“We still have the core of the squad that won last season, and we have further strengthened the team,” Kasumba said. “Our objective is clear: to become the first manager to successfully defend the Masaza Cup since the competition was established in 2004.”

Meanwhile, sources indicate that the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, is expected to attend the opening fixture in Mubende, as he did last season’s final between Buweekula and Ssingo.