Masaka SS send warning to Copa giants Kibuli, Kitende

Regional kings. Masaka SS outlasted newcomers Waggwa on penalties to take the trophy on Sunday. PHOTO BY DENNIS BBOSA

Kampala.

For a school that has undergone a complete overhaul since finishing at the semifinal stage of the annual Copa Coca-Cola schools football trophy last year in Soroti, Masaka SS head to next month’s tournament at home as contenders rather than participants.

After beating newcomers Waggwa 4-2 on penalties to regain the Regional trophy on Sunday at Kitovu grounds, Masaka coach Simon Peter Mugerwa vowed the Copa trophy won’t leave the district come May.

“We narrowly lost on penalties to Kibuli (eventual champions) last year but I tell this is our year. We have the team that can tame both Kibuli and Kitende. The home advantage will also play in our favor,” Mugerwa revealed.

He has since lost the reliable services Kipper Luwalo, Umar Kato, Joseph Janjalo, Isaac Ogwang and Jeriga Atendere but managed to swiftly replace them with the proven talent of Nelson Opio, Hussein Ssenoga, Badru Nsimbe, Zed Ochegere, Shaban Wasswa, Donato Okello, Patrick Rupudu, Bernard Ssempala and Elly Data.

Masaka, that has lost five Copa national finals, were stretched throughout the barren 90 minutes by a stubborn Waggwa High which had shocked favorites Blessed Sacrament Kimanya 1-0 in the semis, before prevailing in the spot kicks session.

Frank Yiga, Jacob Okao, Okello Donald and Shaban Wasswa converted for Masaka while Frank Ssebwato and Lawrence Matovu missed for Waggwa.

Host district Masaka will now be represented by Waggwa, Kimanya, Green Hill and Masaka at the national tourney that commences on May 6 to 20 at six different grounds sprouted in in the township area. Record winners Kibuli and nemesis Kitende have already booked their tickets to the 24th edition of Copa Coca-Cola tourney – an equivalent of the secondary schools’ world cup.