Bunyoro dares Buganda in Masaza Cup
Nov 09, 2015
A select team from the Bunyoro-Kitara Amasaza Cup tournament will play the Buganda Masaza Cup winners when the fourth edition of the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) Amasaza cup tournament concludes in December.
By M. Nsubuga & R Atuhairwe
A select team from the Bunyoro-Kitara Amasaza Cup tournament will play the Buganda Masaza Cup winners when the fourth edition of the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) Amasaza cup tournament concludes in December.
Bunyoro-Kitara kingdom sports minister John Baguma made the pronouncement before the opening match of this year’s tournament at Kiryandongo Church of Uganda play-ground.
“We have already made arrangements with the Katikiro of Buganda; one week after our tournament we shall play their team as we try to expose our players to the rest of the world,” Baguma said.
“There are so many talented players who are in the village and can’t be identified without such tournaments so our aim is to tap those talents and in another way unite people in the kingdom using sports; each subcounty in the region will provide a team,” Baguma stated.
Kingdom Prime Minister Norman Lukumu, in the company of kingdom elders, chiefs and district leaders, presided over the opening match between
Kigumba FC and Bweyale FC watched by a mammoth crowd.
Moses Opio’s first half strike was enough for Kigumba to beat Bweyale 1-0 in the opening match of the tournament that is expected to attract close to 60 teams.
There were a few chances for both sides in the fast paced match before Opio’s 25 minute strike.
Buhaguzi won the inaugural edition in 2012, before Hoima and Buyanja took the honours in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
Earlier, CNOOC Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Zakaria Lubega and Community Relations Manager David Byaruhanga had presented a ball to the Prime Minister before kick-off to symbolize their sh100m sponsorship towards the annual tournament.
“Sponsoring the Amasaza cup for the 4th year is a demonstration of CNOOC Uganda dedication to promote local culture and sports in the region,”Lubega said.
RELATED STORIES: