Kyaka County FC lifted the MTN Kabode Tooro Kingdom Amasaza Cup trophy on Sunday, and both winners and runners-up reflected on the significance of the tournament and their performances.
Kyaka striker Arafat Baluku, who opened the scoring in the 6th minute, praised his team’s determination and the broader impact of the Masaza Cup:
“We played a very good game from the start of the tournament and I am happy that our efforts have yielded. This tournament is not just a competition, but also an experience of sports tourism while amplifying cultural values, which are vital for the sustainability of any society.”
Captain Fred Tumusiime, who doubled Kyaka’s advantage in the 70th minute, celebrated the team’s historic achievement, noting that Kyaka became the first county to win the Masaza Cup twice and to appear in three finals.
On the Fort Portal side, striker Malik Yasin, named Most Valuable Player of the tournament despite the 2–0 loss, remained positive:
“We were unlucky, but the luckier team won. The Masaza Cup has been a valuable learning experience, giving young players their debut in such a competitive tournament. We are hopeful for a better performance next year.”
Toro Kingdom sports minister Micheal Wandera spoke on the tournament’s expansion to include women’s sport, highlighting the debut Masaza Netball Cup:
“For the first time, we held the ladies’ netball finals, and it has been a success. As a kingdom we appreciate MTN and all the teams which participated.”
Deputy information minister Ronald Mutegeki encouraged youth to see sports as a pathway to employment:
“Sports offer both direct and indirect job opportunities. Young people only need creativity to financially benefit from the industry.”
The tournament ended with Kyaka taking home UGX 12 million, a trophy, and medals, while Fort Portal received UGX 6 million.
Burahya claimed third place with a 1–0 win over Mwenge South, and the inaugural netball champions, Fort Portal, earned UGX 5 million after a 40–38 victory against Mwenge South.
As King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV handed the trophy to Kyaka players, the celebrations highlighted not just victory on the pitch, but the cultural pride and opportunities the Masaza Cup continues to inspire across the Tooro Kingdom.
Final Results:
Football Final: Kyaka 2–0 Fort Portal
3rd Place Football: Burahya 1–0 Mwenge South
Netball Final: Fort Portal 40–38 Mwenge South
