NAMBOOLE – Crowd darlings Ssingo and Buddu will face off in this year’s Airtel Masaza Football cup at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
His Majesty the King of Buganda, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II will be the chief guest for the game.
Like in 2015 final played at Namboole when Ssingo disciplined Buddu 5-0, the two sides will once again face off for the coveted crown.
It will, therefore, be a revenge mission at hand for Buddu or a continuation of dominance for Ssingo.
Buddu head coach, Simon Mugerwa who replaced Simon Ddungu, was also part of the victory in 2016 hopes to hold the trophy this time as the head coach.
“In 2016 I was part on the technical bench that won the trophy in , but this time I want to win this cup as a head coach, said Mugerwa.
Shafic Bisaso who has previously won this championship with Gomba (2014), Ssingo (2015) and a losing finalist in 2017 final to Gomba believes he will continue with the unbeaten run.
“As it has always been in the past years, my team is prepared to take on Buddu so we are ready to win the trophy, said Ssingo head coach Bisaso.
During the semi-finals, Buddu eliminated Busujju 2-0 on aggregate over two legs. Ssingo were 3-1 aggregate victors against Buwekula.
Buwekula will face Busujju in the third-place playoff match as it has always been in the past years.
Key players:
Ssingo will look towards Edward Satro and key forward Jude Ssemugabi for the win against Buddu.
Ssemugabi will come under close scrutiny against Buddu’s established backline of Brian Oyuka, Gideon Odongo, Nasser Lukwago, Ashraf Magembe as well as the Kato duo of left-back Umar and center half Samuel Niheyimana.
On the other hand, Buddu’s prodigal son Marida Kuteesa will beke for the team.
The eventual winner from either Buddu or Ssingo will earn their second title since the tournament started in 2004.
Ssingo won in 2015 and Buddu in the following year.
Gomba has won the championship a record four times in 2004 during the inaugural edition, 2009, 2014 and last year (2017).
Previous Winners:
- 2017: Gomba
- 2016: Buddu
- 2015: Ssingo
- 2014: Gomba
- 2013: Mawokota
- 2012: Bulemeezi
- 2011: Buluuli
- 2010: Not Held
- 2009: Gomba
- 2008: Kyadondo
- 2007: Mawokota
- 2006: Kooki
- 2005: Mawokota
- 2004: Gomba
