The 15th edition of the Airtel Masaza Cup tournament 2019 climaxed on 26th October 2019 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Bulemeezi clinched their second trophy with a slim 1:0 victory over Busiro FC.
Bulemeezi scored through Roki Emmanuel four minutes into the half time of extra time. Roki always tormented Busiro's defence and had earlier in the half of the normal time nearly had his side lead with a one on one duel with Busiro goalkeeper Mutumba Adad but the goalkeeper parried the ball away.
Despite Busiro possessing experinced players some of whom have won the tournament on more than one occasion, Bulemeezi dominated the whole minutes and always looked a better side all time through.
Busiro's experienced players include Mikidad Ssenyonga, Ivan Sserubiri,Mutumba Adad, Mubiru Desite, Kigozi Andrew, Adriko Rogers Who have all atleast won this title once.
Despite the experience, Bulemeezi's most valuable player of the tournament Ssekiganda Ronald attentively manned the midfield and didn't let the players in question do anything on the ball.
Winners Bulemeezi walked home with 12 Uganda Million Shillings and golden medals while Busiro bagged 9M Uganda Shillings with Silver medals. Earlier in the third Place play offs, Kyadondo came a goal down to win 2:1 amidst a heavy downpour and pocketed 7 Uganda Million shillings whereas 4th placed Buddu earned 5 Uganda Million Shillings.
Ssese FC were named the tournament's most disciplined side and hence won the Fair play award equivalent to a full Jersey.
Unlike last season's top scorer Ssemugabi Jude who won a motorcycle, this season's top scorer Denis Mwemezi (7 goals) got 300,000/=.
He will no longer play Masaza football after joining Vipers in Uganda's Super League and so will Ivan Sserubiri and Mikidad Ssenyonga. The duo joined URA FC.
According to the Minister of Youths, Sports and recreation Henry Ssekabembe Kiberu, this year's tournament has provided up to 19 players to the super league. The tournament also marked the end of Nagadya Catherine's refereeing career.
The day's awarding in summary.
Prizes for teams:
Champion Bulemeezi -Shs 12M, Gold Medals.
Runners up Busiro- Shs 9M, Silver Medals.
3rd place Kyadondo -Shs 7M, Bronze Medals.
4th place Buddu. Shs 5M.
Most Disciplined Team-Ssese- Set of Jerseys.
Most Valuable Player Ssekiganda Ronald -Shs 300,000.
Top scorer Dennis Mwemezi -Shs 300,000
Previous Masaza winners.
2004 – Gomba
2005 – Mawokota
2006 – Kooki
2007 – Mawokota
2008 – Kyadondo
2009 – Gomba
2010 – Not Held
2011 – Buluri
2012 – Bulemezi
2013 – Mawokota
2014 – Gomba
2015 – Ssingo
2016 – Buddu
2017 – Gomba
2018 – Ssingo.
And now (2019) Bulemeezi.
