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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 match, 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 intently fought contest performed underneath sunny circumstances, with clear-cut possibilities proving exhausting 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 supplied an early glimpse of the competitiveness anticipated all through this 12 months’s match, 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 course 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 liked the opener right now due to the excessive requirements of play and the expertise on show. Whereas neither group managed to attain, you would clearly see the standard, tactical self-discipline and dedication from either side. At this stage of the match, each level issues and neither group needed to lose floor,” Balunywa mentioned.
He reaffirmed Airtel Uganda’s dedication to supporting the match and nurturing soccer expertise throughout the dominion.
“As Airtel, we’re as soon as once more proud to be a part of a match that brings folks collectively and gives a platform for expertise improvement. The Airtel Masaza Cup continues to advertise unity, togetherness and group engagement, values which are vital to us as a model.”
The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga, who officiated the match’s opening match, applauded each groups for an entertaining contest and mentioned the fixture had supplied an encouraging begin to what’s anticipated to be a extremely aggressive 2026 Airtel Masaza Cup marketing campaign.
Owek. Mayiga additionally recommended Airtel Uganda for its continued assist of the match, noting that the partnership has performed a key position in preserving Buganda’s cultural heritage whereas fostering group improvement by sport.
“We’re grateful to Airtel Uganda for persistently supporting our imaginative and prescient. The Airtel Masaza Cup is greater than a soccer match; it’s a platform that promotes unity, identification and self-discipline amongst our folks. By way of such partnerships, we proceed to protect our heritage whereas strengthening communities throughout the dominion,” he mentioned
Past soccer, the 2026 version carries a robust social message underneath the theme, “Males Should Take the Lead within the Struggle Towards HIV/AIDS to Save the Woman Baby.” The marketing campaign seeks to mobilise males throughout Buganda and past to play a extra energetic position in defending younger women and combating the unfold of HIV/AIDS.
The match 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.