Rays of Grace, Divine girls win Airtel Rising Stars qualifiers

 Rays of Hope FC players celebrate winning the Airtel Rising Stars Buganda region tournament after the regional qualifiers at Masaka Recreation Ground, July 22 2018. PHOTO: Michael Nsubuga

The Airtel Rising Stars Buganda region qualifiers that ended at Masaka Recreation ground on Sunday continued to underline one thing; that there is abundant talent across the country.

Apart from the stature of some of the players, skill was in abundance in both the girls' and boys' categories which promise a better future if the players get the right guidance and grooming as they grow up.

From the silky skills of eventual MVP Buikwe Rays of Grace's Troys Mutyaba to top scorer Issa Bugembe, Pride College's Vannesa Nagirinya, Divine Soccer Academy's Shamim Najjuma and Liz Nanyombi there was just much to savor.

In the boys final Rays of Grace's Issa Bugembe scored a hat trick to help his side to the boys trophy and sh1m prize for the regional winners.

He open the scoring in the first half before adding two goals in quick succession in the second half to inspire his side to a hapless Mpigi Mixed SS's side that opted for individualism rather than team work.

Divine Soccer Academy  players celebrate winning the Airtel Rising Stars Buganda region girls tournament. PHOTOS: Michael Nsubuga

Troys Mutyaba was the creative engine for the victors who also produced the tournament top scorer Issa Bugembe with 5 goals and the best goalkeeper in Huzaimah Lukwago.

The girls' final was settled on spot kicks with Divine girls from Masaka winning 9-8 on penalties against Pride College Mpigi after a 0-0 draw.

Cheered on by some of the girls' parents Divine scored through Winnie Nabbale, Sharifa Nabayinda, Resty Nalweyiso, Annet Wanyana, Phiona Nabulime, Shamim Najjuma, Evelyn Nassuna, Ruth Namuleme and Zainabu Kabasinga.

Pride College Mpigi had Martha Nalunkuuma, Lydia Najjunju, Haudah Ssonko, Mariana Nakato, Hadija Nandago, Joanita Naggayi, Zowena Namono and Vanessa Nagirinya on the score sheet with Brenda Nalumu missing the ninth kick.

Political heads member of the 3rd East African Legislative Assembly Mukasa Mbidde, Masaka RDC Herman Ssentongo, FUFA's delegation led by Darious Mugoye and that of Airtel led by Remmie Kisakye graced the finals.

 MVP's

Girls: Shamim Najjuma (Divine Soccer Academy)

Boys: Troys Mutyaba (Rays of Grace)

Top scorers

Girls: Charity Anyenyo (Tagy High School) - 2 goals

Boys: Issa Bugembe (Rays of Grace) - 5 goals

Best goalkeepers

Girls: Resty Nalweyiso (Divine Soccer Academy)

Boys: Huzaimah Lukwago (Rays of Grace)

Finals

Girls: Divine Girls 0 (9) Pride College Mpigi 0 (8)

Boys: Rays of Grace 3 Mpigi Mixed 0