The 2023 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup roared to life at the Bwondha Town Council playground in Mayuge district. The opening match saw the hosts, Bunhole Bunamumba, take on the defending champions, Bukooli Namayingo, with the visitors clinching a 0-2 victory.
After a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup returned in 2022 with renewed enthusiasm, and the 2023 edition focusing on the theme of “Talent Identification and Promotion” to uncover budding youth talent. The turnout of passionate fans underlined the enduring love for football in the Busoga region.
The Masaza Cup has a storied history, with past champions including:
– 2016: Bukooli Bugiri
– 2017: Butembe
– 2018: Kigulu
– 2019: Kigulu
– 2022: Bukooli Namayingo (the defending champions)
Before the kickoff, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, graced the occasion by personally inspecting both teams, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
The match itself was a nail-biter. Iduma Odenga broke the deadlock for Bukooli Namayingo with a goal in the 18th minute. As the game neared its conclusion, Barasa Levis scored a dramatic close-range goal during injury time, securing a 0-2 victory for the defending champions.
MTN BUSOGA MASAZA CUP PRIZE MONEY:
– Winner: UGX 12 million
– First runner-up: UGX 8 million
– Third-placed: UGX 6 million
– Fourth-placed: UGX 4 million
