Understanding Buganda’s ‘World Cup’ Masaza: What keeps it going?

KAMPALA.

It’s a highly competitive, passionate and royal tournament that has grown leaps and bounds over the past 14 years.
Buganda’s ‘World Cup’ Masaza as it has come to be known once again takes the center stage starting today. To the teams; Gomba, Kkooti, Mawokota, Kyadondo, Buruuri, Bulemezi, Mawokota, Singo, and Buddu who have altogether tested the victory, it is always a ‘must’ to compete in each edition.
The allure to play is sparked by mammoth fans, many sponsors, social media craze and journalists that swarm grounds to cover the games. Young boys and girls, men and women with little knowledge on the game always turn up in droves and cheer themselves hoarse when the games are on.
From using Nakivubo Stadium to Mandela National Stadium, Namboole for the finals in 2015; organisers, Buganda, have undoubtedly landed where few projected.
Interestingly, when this tourney was started in 2004 with 18 teams in four groups, with teams playing games on a home and away basis, its concept looked conversely ancient.
Teams then were competing for just a mere trophy and some players took to the ground barefooted.
Today, tremendous efforts have been done with Buganda’s Premier Charles Mayiga and his combative team led by Sulaiman Ssejjengo to with the showpiece attracting big corporate sponsors; Airtel and Centenary Bank among others to dress up and facilitates all teams.
Also, Fifa and Fufa licensed referees and coaches have been incorporated to officiate matches and tutor teams instead of the non-sanctioned ones that used to do the business in the near past.
The 15th edition opener between fourth-time winners Gomba against 2012 finalists Buwekula scheduled for today at Kabulasoke playgrounds is a sure humdinger.
Droves have reportedly been wrapping up their weekly schedules to make time for the game. “It has been a long struggle to reach this far, “remarked Mayiga during the official launch of 2018 Masaza Cup at Bulange Mengo last Thursday.
And Mayiga was spot on in many ways. “Those that followed it back then were a few,” Jafaali Kalule, team manager Gomba told the SCORE.
“Today, teams recruit players with a signing fee of at least Shs1m and above. As Gomba, we sold players after last year’s triumph such as striker Joseph Janjali (UPDF) and goalkeeper Yiga Joseph (UPDF).
“That meant a big win for us and the players themselves,” Kalule reminisces.
It’s not only Janjali and Yiga, who reaped big out of this tournament. Uganda Cranes superstars: Emma Okwi, Yunus Sentamu and Farouk Miya but a few, all improved their profiles after playing for their respective County teams.
The tournament, however, is not eligible for Uganda Premier League and Fufa Big League licensed players. The rules also state that no team is entitled to sign three players from a single team at a go.

MASAZA CUP FACT FILE

STARTED: 2004
Teams: 18
Winners so far:
Gomba (4), Kkooti, Mawokota (3),
Kyadondo, Buruuri, Bulemezi, Mawokota,
Singo and Buddu (1)
2018 Groups
A: Gomba, Kabula, Buwekula, Kyadondo)
B: Kyaggwe, Singo, Butambala, Mawogola,
Bugerere
C: Buddu, Ssese, Kkooki, Bulemeezi
D: Busiro, Mawokota, Busujju, Buvuma,
Buluuli
2018 PRIZES
Winners: 10m Runners-up: 7m
1st runners-up: 5m 2nd runners-up:3m
Top scorer: Golden boot & a brand new bike