Masaza Cup picks tempo as quarterfinals loom

The 2026 Masaza Cup has reached the business end, with eight counties advancing to the quarterfinals and the first legs scheduled for this Sunday, September 13.

Among the early favourites are Kyaggwe, who face Mawogola, while Busujju host Butambala and Bugerere welcome Kyaddondo at the Ntenjeru Ssaza grounds. Buddu, meanwhile, face record champions Gomba in one of the most anticipated ties.

Kyaggwe have emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest crowd-pullers, attracting strong support both home and away.

Their impressive campaign has been built around a sizeable technical team, with Blacks Power head coach Simon Peter Mugerwa among the key brains behind the side.

Former Old Kampala SS and St Mary’s Kitende coach Ronald Ssali, now at Bukedea Comprehensive School, serves as Kyaggwe’s head coach. The Mukono-based side have also benefited from strong fundraising efforts as they chase a first Masaza Cup trophy in more than 20 years.

Buddu’s tie against Gomba comes at an intriguing time. Gomba struggled initially under Felix Ssekabuuza, who guided Buweekula to their maiden title last year, but have gradually improved.

Buddu, however, have hit a poor patch, failing to win their last three matches and losing once. Away from the football, controversy over alleged witchcraft and officiating continues to shadow the tournament, bankrolled by Airtel.

Gomba were fined Shs 500,000 after delaying their match against Kyaggwe in Mukono by more than 10 minutes, claiming witchcraft had been placed along the route from the dressing rooms.

Teams have also complained about biased officiating, while referees allege team officials approach them with calls and unsolicited money.

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