Mawokota’s journey to the 2024 Masaza Cup quarterfinals has been one of resilience and strategic changes. Their qualification for the Round of 8 was sealed by a crucial 1-0 victory against Kabula, with Mathias Kasadha scoring the decisive goal. This win helped Mawokota finish as one of the best third-placed teams in the Masengere Group, which was topped by Busujju and Kabula.
Mawokota’s path to the quarterfinals wasn’t easy. A significant turning point was the renovation of their UGX 300M stadium in Mpigi, overseen by team manager Denis Bugaya, who was determined to restore the team’s former glory. Bugaya also revamped the technical team, bringing in Brian Ssenyondo from Kitara FC as head coach. Ssenyondo’s tactical approach paid off, as Mawokota secured three crucial 1-0 wins over Ssese, Buvuma, and Kabula, which helped them reach the next stage of the tournament.
The technical team’s efforts were further boosted by Bugaya’s legal expertise when he successfully petitioned a match result against Ssese, where unlicensed players had been fielded. The disciplinary committee ruled in favor of Mawokota, awarding them a 3-0 walkover victory, which proved pivotal in their qualification. Mawokota accumulated 16 points, making them the best third-placed team across the tournament groups.
The eight teams that reached the quarterfinals include:
1. Buddu
2. Kyaddondo
3. Busujju
4. Kabula
5. Buweekula
6. Ssingo
7. Mawokota
8. Kyaggwe
The Masaza Cup is an annual football tournament in Buganda, established in 2004. It features teams from the 18 counties of Buganda, and players who are active in the FUFA Big League, Uganda Premier League, and the national team are not allowed to participate, with the aim of identifying and developing new talent.