Buddu Ssaza Football team won their second ever title in the Buganda Masaza championship.

To achieve this feat, Buddu, sons and daughters of Pokino (Ssaza head) overcame a hard fighting Buwekula side 2-0 in the closely contest final at a fully filled St Mary’s Stadium in Kitende – Wakiso district, Busiro county.

Two second half goals from captain Marvin Kavuma and Bruno Bunyaga broke the resilience of Buwekula in an epic clash.

The opening stanza had failed to produce any goals with both sides getting close until Kavuma’s header past goalkeeper Isaac Kwizera Onyango gave the 2016 champions the lead.

Moments later, Bunyaga finished off Gideon Odongo’s free-kick from 35 yards for the second goal on the sunny evening.

Bunyaga’s goal was merely icing on the already bake cake, his sixth strike of the championship coming three days after the unfortunate demise of his three-month daughter.

“I am humbled to have guided Buddu to this trophy. We are overwhelmed by this victory. I thank the rest of the teammates, fans, organizing committee and the Kingdom of Buganda for this opportunity” Buddu captain, Marvin Kavuma told the media moments after.

 His counterpart at Buwekula, Shafik Kakande hailed the fighting spirit of his teammates throughout the tournament.

“We played a decent tournament and I thank my teammates for the work well done right from the group stages. It is only unfortunate that we lost the final” Kakande noted.

Buddu received Shs 12,000,000 for the feat, a trophy and gold medals whilst the runners up Buwekula pocketed Shs 9,000,000 with silver medals.

The finale was graced by the Kabaka His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II who had missed the previous final as Gomba beat Buddu 3-1 at the same venue to win their fifth unprecedented title.

The third place play-off match between Bulemeezi and Mawokota was won by the latter 1-0 courtesy of a lone goal by Gabriel Eragu.

Eragu headed home the all-important goal towards the climax of the game.

Individual awards:

Buddu’s goalkeeper Michael Lutaaya was named as the tournament most valuable player.

Buwekula’s midfielder Isaac Musiima, winner of the 2020 edition with Gomba was the top scorer with six goals.

The preparations for the 2022 edition take immediate effect according to the chairman of the local organizing committee Sulaiman Ssejjengo.

“We are behind schedule having been disturbed by the Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, preparations for the 2022 edition start immediately. I thank all the stakeholders who have helped us organize the 17th edition successfully” Ssejjengo revealed.

Owek. Henry Moses Ssekabembe Kiberu lauded the all the parties at play that helped in organizing this championship and making it a complete success.

“I am humbled that once again Buganda Kingdom managed to stage a successful championship amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. I am grateful for all the helped us organize a successful tournament. From the Buganda Kingdom itself, organizing committee, the different Masaza teams, sponsors, management of St Mary’s Stadium, media and everyone who did his part right” Owek. Ssekabembe remarked.

Gomba remains the record champions with 5 titles to their name.

Airtel, Centenary Bank, Nabagereka development foundation, UNAIDS are some of the partners for this tournament.