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David GOMBE
Defending champions Buweekula had been held to a goalless draw by a resilient Kyaddondo aspect because the 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup bought underway on the Nationwide Lecturers Faculty (NTC) Grounds in Mubende on Saturday.
In entrance of a vibrant crowd that turned as much as witness the opening fixture of Buganda’s premier soccer event, either side produced a fiercely contested encounter however failed to search out the breakthrough regardless of creating a number of promising alternatives.
Buweekula, in search of to start their title defence with most factors, loved spells of possession and territorial dominance, however Kyaddondo remained disciplined all through, irritating the reigning champions with an organised defensive show.
The 2 groups exchanged assaults in a carefully fought contest performed underneath sunny situations, with clear-cut probabilities proving laborious to return by. Because the match wore on, either side resorted to long-range efforts and set items seeking a winner, however neither goalkeeper was significantly troubled as the sport resulted in a stalemate.
Regardless of the absence of objectives, the match offered an early glimpse of the competitiveness anticipated all through this 12 months’s event, with neither aspect keen to concede floor within the opening spherical.
Kyaddondo midfielder Trevor Kalule emerged because the standout performer of the afternoon. His power, composure on the ball and tireless work price earned him the Man of the Match accolade after a commanding show in the midst of the park.
Talking after the match, Airtel Uganda Gross sales Director Ali Balunywa praised the standard of soccer exhibited by each groups and famous the rising professionalism throughout the competitors.
“I’ve beloved the opener at this time due to the excessive requirements of play and the expertise on show. Whereas neither crew managed to attain, you can clearly see the standard, tactical self-discipline and willpower from either side. At this stage of the event, each level issues and neither crew needed to lose floor,” Balunywa stated.
He reaffirmed Airtel Uganda’s dedication to supporting the event and nurturing soccer expertise throughout the dominion.
“As Airtel, we’re as soon as once more proud to be a part of a event that brings folks collectively and gives a platform for expertise improvement. The Airtel Masaza Cup continues to advertise unity, togetherness and neighborhood engagement, values which can be vital to us as a model.”
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who officiated the event’s opening match, applauded each groups for an entertaining contest and stated the fixture had offered an encouraging begin to what’s anticipated to be a extremely aggressive 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup marketing campaign.
Owek. Mayiga additionally counseled Airtel Uganda for its continued help of the event, noting that the partnership has performed a key position in preserving Buganda’s cultural heritage whereas fostering neighborhood improvement by sport.
“We’re grateful to Airtel Uganda for constantly supporting our imaginative and prescient. The Airtel Masaza Cup is greater than a soccer event; it’s a platform that promotes unity, identification and self-discipline amongst our folks. By such partnerships, we proceed to protect our heritage whereas strengthening communities throughout the dominion,” he stated
Past soccer, the 2026 version carries a powerful social message underneath the theme, “Males Should Take the Lead within the Battle Towards HIV/AIDS to Save the Woman Baby.” The marketing campaign seeks to mobilise males throughout Buganda and past to play a extra lively position in defending younger ladies and combating the unfold of HIV/AIDS.
The event resumes subsequent weekend with Ssese internet hosting Bulemeezi on Saturday, June 20. On Sunday, June 21, Busiro will face Gomba, whereas Buddu tackle Buluuli whereas Mawokota welcomes Kyaggwe.
