Drum beat felt as Busoga run over Bugisu in opener
Congratulations: Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga (second left) handing over the man of the match award to Busoga’s Joel Madondo. PHOTO BY John Batanudde
Jinja. Culture, anticipation, passion, and a nerve-wracking footballing excellence were on show on Saturday when the inaugural Fufa Drum tourney kicked off to a memorable start in Jinja.
Busoga, the self proclaimed ‘Mecca’ of Ugandan football, didn’t disappoint as they took Bugisu through football lessons at the crowded Bugembe stadium.
Goals by Bul FC duo Hamis Tibita and Richard Wandyaka and Jinja SSS youthful striker Joel Madondo did give the largely Busoga crowd a carnival atmosphere as hired entertainers accompanied each goal with a folk dance.
Without doubt, Charles Ayeikho’s Busoga side, boasting of experienced players like Jimmy Kuluba, Allan Munaba, Livingstone Mulondo, Isaac Isinde, David Bagoole, Patrick Asiku, and Aggrey Madoi, were no match for Geoffrey Awach’s Bugisu Province that could only bank on Vipers trio of Milton Karisa, James Alitho and Musa Malunda.
“The good tournament start has given my colleagues belief that we can make it to the finals but most importantly, they have gained more confidence playing with experienced players like me,” Uganda Cranes defender Isinde, who skippered Busoga Province, revealed.
His opposite number, Alitho, who turns out for Vipers, acknowledged the gulf in class between the two teams. “The better side won but we will come out stronger,” he said. They missed injured custodian Ismail Watenga (Vipers) who watched on from the stands.
Kadaga, Desabre illuminate Bugembe
With his note book in hand, Uganda Cranes head coach Sebastien Desabre and his deputy Matia Lule watched on keenly and had a chat with players like Isinde after the game.
“I have liked the football on display here,” Desabre revealed. The icing on the cake was the arrival of chief guest Speaker Rebecca Kadaga who attracted a thunderous applause from the adoring fans. Kadaga is Busoga team patron and awarded Madondo with the man of the match accolade.
The Results
Busoga 3-0 Bugisu
Teso 8-0 Sebei
Karamoja 1-1 West Nile
Bunyoro 2-2 Rwenzori
Acholi 2-0 Lango
Ankole 2-1 Tooro
Buganda 0-1 Kigezi
Bukedi 0-1 Kampala
