Bugweri Chiefdom FC shone on Saturday, August 3, 2024, securing a 2-0 victory over Busiki Chiefdom FC in the opening match of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup tournament.
Kyabazinga of Busoga, HRH William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, officially launched the tournament in an enthusiastic jamboree at Busesa Playground in Bugweri District on Saturday.
The King officially opened the tournament by majestically kicking the first ball onto the field. The ball rolled smoothly as the enthusiastic spectators cheered for the youthful King.
In the tournament’s first game, Bugweri Chiefdom faced off against the defending champion, Busiki FC, and achieved a significant success.
Before the Kyabazinga, who was the chief guest, Busiki FC’s defender Fahad Mukose inadvertently scored an own goal in the 36th minute. This mistake came after sustained pressure from the Bugweri FC players on the Busiki defense.
Calvin Peter, Bugweri’s superb striker, showcased his skills by scoring a remarkable goal in the 59th minute. Despite a red card given to Isima Kagere in the closing minutes of the game, Bugweri emerged victorious.
Known as “Bugweri Entudhi,” Bugweri FC, which hosted the opening game, is managed by Emmanuel Balyejussa, while Denis Watuke is the head coach for Busiki FC.
Reacting to the game, Bugweri’s Balyejussa expressed that their success was not a surprise but rather an expectation based on their knowledge of Busiki.
“I watched Busiki in the previous tournament against Butembe. Although they won, the experience I gained helped me understand their weaknesses. I ensured my boys were strong and physically fit,” Coach Balyejussa said.
He added, “Busiki came knowing they were up against a strong team. My boys have played together for a long time and know each other well on the field.”
On the other hand, Busiki’s coach Watuke vowed that despite the loss, they still have more games ahead and remain determined to top the table.
“I don’t want you to lose hope. We still have five more games, and we will win them,” Watuke said, noting that, “My boys were late to the game. They traveled from afar, and the coordination was not good. Some players arrived just for the last training, which affected our performance.”
In terms of grouping, Group One, named Bukowe, includes Bukooli Bugiri, Bunha, Kigulu, and Luuka Chiefdoms, while Group Kagulu features Bukooli Namayingo, Butembe, and Buzaaya Chiefdoms.
The Mawembe Group comprises Bugabula, Bukono, and Bunhole Bunhanhumba, whereas the Nendha Group includes Bugweri, Dudiope, Bulamogi, and Busiki Chiefdoms.
It is worth noting that in the first edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup in 2016, Kigulu Chiefdom hosted the opening match, Bukono hosted the 2017 edition, and Bukooli Namayingo hosted in 2018. Butembe hosted the 2019 and 2022 editions, Bunhole Bunhanhumba hosted in 2023, and the 2024 (7th edition) is being hosted by Bugweri Chiefdom.
According to the fixture for the 7th edition, Bukono will face Bugabula on August 10, 2024, at Ivukula Subcounty Headquarters, Luuka will play Kigulu at Kiyunga Playground (August 10), and Bukooli Namayingo will play against Butembe at Namayingo Primary School Playground on the same date.
