By Musa Kikuuno
The grand finale of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup 2024 is set to take place this Sunday, December 15, at the Kyabazinga Stadium, Bugembe. The clash between Bukono and Butembe promises to be a thrilling encounter, steeped in history, milestones, and high stakes.
Bukono’s Cinderella Story
This year’s Masaza Cup has been a fairy-tale run for Bukono. Since the tournament’s inception in 2016, Bukono had never progressed past the group stages. In 2024, they not only broke that barrier but also went on to make history by reaching the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and now, for the first time ever, the final.
Bukono’s remarkable journey began in the Mawembe Group, where they finished second with 4 points behind group leaders Bugabula (10 points). In the quarter-finals, Bukono stunned Budiope with a 2-0 victory at Kyabazinga Stadium on November 8. They then edged past Buzaya in the semi-finals with a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Key players like goalkeeper Osikol Williams, commanding midfielder Kainzi Corcas, and strikers Basangwa Shafik and Matua Joel Boke have been instrumental in Bukono’s dream campaign. With coach Amadoi Martin at the helm, Bukono is determined to defy the odds and clinch their first-ever Masaza Cup title.
Butembe: The Veterans with Experience
For Butembe, this final is familiar territory. This marks their fourth appearance in the Masaza Cup finals—more than any other team in the tournament’s history.
Their previous finals appearances include 2017, 2018, 2023, and now 2024. However, Butembe has only managed to win the trophy once, in 2017, when they defeated Bunha in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
This year, Butembe dominated the Kagulu Group, finishing as group leaders with 10 points. They triumphed over Bunha 3-1 in the quarter-finals and edged Bugabula 1-0 in a gritty semi-final clash on a muddy Wednesday evening at Kyabazinga Stadium.
Under the guidance of new coach Mugerwa Bosco, who replaced Isaac Kitakule (alias Ozil) early in the tournament, Butembe will rely on their experienced squad.
Players like Kusola Enosi, a creative and tricky playmaker, and Jinja SS product Sajjabi Ibrahim, despite his slowness, are expected to test Bukono’s defense.
Mukiibi Nicholas, Mulamba Jessy, and super-subs Madoyi Ibrahim and Mudulu Peterson also provide depth that could overwhelm Bukono as the match progresses.
The Stakes and History at Play
The stakes are high for both teams. Bukono’s fairy-tale run could culminate in a historic first title, continuing the trend of new chiefdoms winning the Masaza Cup since 2022.
Interestingly, teams that eliminate Bugabula in the semi-finals have gone on to win the trophy in the past two editions — Bukoli Namayingo in 2022 and Busiki in 2023.
Butembe, however, is determined to bounce back after last year’s 1-0 loss to Busiki in the final. History suggests they rarely lose two finals in a row, and their deep bench and tactical experience might prove decisive.
The Final Countdown
As the two sides prepare for the midday kickoff at Kyabazinga Stadium, the region is abuzz with excitement. Will Bukono’s underdog story end in glory, or will Butembe’s seasoned squad reclaim the crown?
The answer will unfold this Sunday in what promises to be an electrifying finale to the 2024 MTN Busoga Masaza Cup.
