The heavily anticipated MTN Tooro Kingdom Masaza cup tournament kicked off on Sunday with the official opening match between Bunyagabu county playing against Kibale County at the Kibiito Secondary School playground.
The month-long tournament follows a partnership between MTN Uganda and Tooro Kingdom.
The Omukama of Tooro, HRH Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV who was expected to grace the Masaza cup tournament delegated the Kingdom Prime Minister, Hon. Bernard Tungakwo.
While officiating the tournament opening, Tungakwo said that this year’s Football tournament was organized with the help of telecom giant MTN, who are the biggest sponsor because the king wanted to use sports as a platform to create awareness against the spread of HIV/AIDs.
“We are grateful that our partners have made this tournament a reality. This will foster the already existing unity among the nine counties of Tooro while we continue to sensitize the King’s subjects about HIV/AIDS,” Tungakwo said.
Tungakwo was accompanied by Bunyangabu county chairperson, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo who doubles as minister for gender and culture.
In the group A opening match which had three teams, Bunyangabu won 2-1 against Kibale. Patrick Musinguzi and Norman Namanya secured the two goals for Bunyangabu county while Ivan Ahereza scored for Kibale county.
The second match, in the same group stage, Kibale County won its second game 1-0 against Kitagwenda with Ivan Ahereza’s goal 50 minutes into the match.
The third and last match of the day saw Bunyangabu win 3-0 against Kitagwenda. Ronals Alituha scored twice while Allan Muganzi scored one of the three goals.
Subsequently, Bunyangabu County FC and Kibale County FC qualified for the quarter-finals.
Kitagwenda County FC’s qualification will depend on the Group B and C results.
Action returns this weekend on Friday on March, 25 2022 with group B at Katoosa playground where Mwenge South is set to host Kyaka and Mwenge North.
On Sunday 27, group C will be played at King Oyo Sports Complex, Knights Arena Bukwali where Fortportal City will host Burahya and Ntoroko.
Speaking at the same event, Wandera Michael, the Tooro Kingdom sports minister said the winning team will walk away with Shs 5 million and a trophy, while the first runner up will get Shs 3 million.
The third-placed team will get Shs 1.5 million while the fourth team will be given Shs 500,000.
Tooro Kingdom has nine counties that include, Ntoroko, Kibale, Bunyangabu, Kitagwenda, Mwenge North, Mwenge South, Kyaka, Fort Portal and Burahya. The counties shall all participate in the tournament that has already proven to be the hottest sporting activity in the Kingdom.