Masaza Cup mania returns

Kooki attacker Hassan Waiswa takes on Kyaggwe's skipper Julius Kato during the 2025 Masaza Cup action at Bishop's SS Mukono. Kyaggwe won the game at home 2-0. PHOTO/GEORGE KATONGOLE
What you need to know:
This weekend, the Masaza Cup 2025 explodes into the second match day, promising not just football, but a full-blown spectacle where passion reigns supreme.
The drums are calling and the vibrant sea of colourful fans is ready to descend upon stadiums across the Buganda Kingdom once more.
This weekend, the Masaza Cup 2025 explodes into the second match day, promising not just football, but a full-blown spectacle where passion reigns supreme.
Following an opening round that delivered thrilling encounters, nail-biting stalemates, and even early managerial casualties, the pressure cooker is officially on.
The stage is set for a captivating weekend where the very soul of Buganda football will be celebrated in its glory.
Saturday's action sees Buvuma host Kyaddondo at Magyo. Kyaddondo will be keen to build on their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bulemeezi last weekend, aiming to solidify their early standing.
Meanwhile, Butambala will look to bounce back from their 1-0 loss to Mawogola when they face Kabula at Kibibi SS. Butambala, in particular, will be under intense scrutiny after replacing head coach Hassan ‘Kasese’ Mubiru with Paul Kiwanuka after just one game – a clear sign of the high expectations.
Sunday's blockbusters
Sunday promises a feast of football. Five-time champions Gomba will be desperate to recover from their opening day 1-0 loss to defending champions Buddu when they host islanders Ssese at Kabulassoke PTC grounds.
Gomba's passionate fanbase expects nothing less than a win, and head coach Simon Ddungu is acutely aware of the task at hand.
"We felt the pain of that opening loss, and I know our loyal fans did too. This weekend, we are committed to bringing back that joy to the Gomba faithful with a strong performance and three points at Kabulassoke," Ddungu said.
In another highly anticipated clash, Busiro takes on Buddu at Ssentema. While Buddu wasn't in action last weekend, they secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Gomba in their opening day fixture, setting a strong tone for their title defense.
Kooki will aim to reverse their fortunes after a 2-0 defeat to Kyaggwe as they host Mawogola at Kasambya.
However, the spotlight will be firmly on the Mityana Ssaza grounds where Ssingo welcomes last year’s losing finalists Kyaggwe. Kyaggwe's head coach, Simon Peter Mugerwa is confident of their chances.
"We are going to Mityana for a win," Mugerwa said, after their 2-0 win over Kooki on Sunday. "We showed what we are capable of, and we've been working on converting all our scoring opportunities from the first round."
Ssingo, on the other hand, will want to put their goalless draw against Kabula behind them. Head coach Hamza Lutalo is optimistic that his team will deliver a performance worthy of their home support.
"The draw was a minor setback. Our fans deserve to see the true potential of this team, and we are ready to unleash it this Sunday. We have learned from our first outing, and you will see a more clinical and determined Ssingo side," Lutalo said.
More coaching changes
The managerial merry-go-round has also hit Bulemeezi, who reportedly sacked head coach Isaac Ntege and his assistant Badru Sebitosi after their 1-0 loss to Kyaddondo. This weekend, they face Mawokota at Kasana, who come into the game with a 2-1 victory over Buweekula, adding more pressure on the home side to perform.
Elsewhere, Buweekula hosts Bugerere in Mubende, with both teams looking for a decisive result after Buweekula's loss and Bugerere's 1-1 draw against Buvuma. Finally, Buluuli, fresh off their impressive 2-0 away win against Ssese hosts Busujju, who secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Busiro last weekend.
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday (Kick off at 3PM)
Buvuma vs Kyaddondo, Magyo
Butambala vs Kabula, Kibibi SS
Sunday (Kick off at 3PM)
Gomba vs Ssese, Kabulassoke
Busiro vs Buddu, Ssentema
Kooki vs Mawogola, Kasambya
Ssingo vs Kyaggwe, Mityana
Bulemeezi vs Mawokota, Kasana
Buweekula vs Bugerere, Mubende
Buluuli vs Busujju, Migyera