Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi is expected to grace the first game of this year’s prestigious Buganda Kingdom football showpiece, the Airtel Masaza Cup.
Defending champions Ssingo will host Ssese at the Mityana Ssaza Grounds, on Saturday, June 1.
The announcement was made by Buganda Kingdom First Deputy Prime Minister Twaha Kawaase during the launch of the 2019 edition at Bulange, Mengo in Kampala on Monday at which telecommunications giants Airtel Uganda announced a Shs400M sponsorship package.
This is the fourth year in a row that Airtel are title sponsors of the competition, injecting in Shs400m annually.
Each of these 18 teams – all from different Buganda Kingdom regions – will receive Shs5M for a start to assist in the initial preparations as well as two sets of jerseys.
“I would like to confirm that his Majesty the Kabaka of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II will preside over the opening game between Ssingo and Ssese,” he said.
Speaking at the same function, Airtel Head of Brand and Communications Remmie Kisakye said the competition has been a birth place for many stars on the Uganda Cranes.
“This prestigious tournament has given rise to many stars like Tony Mawejje, Diego Hamis Kiiza, Mike Serumaga, Robert Odongkara, Brian Umony, Joseph Ochaya, Pius Wangi, Yasser Mugerwa, Miya Farouk and Godfrey Walusimbi,” she noted.
This Airtel Masaza Cup does not allow the use of players who feature in the FUFA Big League, Uganda Premier League and on the respective national team.
The 2019 Masaza cup groups
MASENGERE GROUP: Ssingo, Bugerere, Buvuma, Gomba, Ssese
BUTIKKIRO GROUP: Buddu, Mawogola, Mawokota, Bulemezi, Kooki
MUGANZIRWAZA GROUP: Busujju, Kabula, Kyaggwe, Butambala
BULANGE GROUP: Buwekula, Busiro, Kyadondo, Buluuli
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