Africa-Press – Uganda. For the second year running, the Airtel Masaza Cup will be played as a virtual tournament held in a bubble at the Fufa Technical Centre Njeru.
The prestigious event will be held starting on Saturday ending in January next year. Although the tournament is financially expensive due to the Covid-19 pandemic concerns, organisers decided to go ahead with this year’s event after getting assurance from key sponsors Airtel Uganda and Centenary Bank.
Airtel committed Shs650m as platinum partners while Centenary Bank committed Shs165m. The rest of the funding has been taken over by the Buganda Kingdom.
“The spirit of solidarity displayed by both the players and individuals or communities who participate in the tournament is one that ought to be supported , and it gives us such pride to be part of a cause that positively transforms Buganda and its people,” David Birungi, who represented the Airtel Managing Director Manoj Murali, said.
Evolving
More than 20 players have graduated from the Masaza Cup tournament held last season.
The Masaza Cup, while still one of the biggest amateur tournaments on the local calendar, will have a different feel this season. Defending champions Gomba, who overwhelmed Busiro in last year’s final, will field only four players from last season’s winning squad. Ssingo, who were banned for unsporting behaviour last season, have been pardoned to spice up the field.
But there will be many differences from the past years.
Sports Minister Henry Ssekabembe announced that the Masaza Cup trophy will now be for keeps. The event which will be held virtually at the Njeru Technical Centre will accept no fans apart from a selected few during the opening and closing ceremonies.
“We are still working on getting a customised trophy but starting from this edition, the winner will have to keep the trophy as a symbol of their remarkable achievement,” Ssekabembe said. Previously, the winner has been keeping the trophy for a year and return it to the organising committee ahead of the new season.
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi is expected to preside over as the chief guest.
Inclusive
Masaza Cup is an inclusive tournament for all people that reside in the 18 counties of Buganda.
Buganda treasurer Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, who represented the Katikkiro emphasised the role of the Masaza tournament in Uganda’s football ecosystem.
Noting that up to 20 players from last year’s edition have joined elite clubs, Nsibirwa said that the Masaza Cup is important in generating significant social, health and economic benefits.
“Masaza Cup provides us with a great opportunity to create connections and strategic relationships with our economic partners while providing players pathways to competitive football,” said Nsibirwa.
The cash prizes will stay at Shs12m for the winner while the losing finalist will bank Shs9m. All teams have been handed Shs4m for preparations.
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