Masaza Cup: Ssenkaali backs Butambala to finish strong

Eddy Ssenkaali wants Butambala to finish their historic Masaza Cup campaign with a medal when they take on Bugerere in Saturday’s third-place playoff at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

Butambala will face Bugerere at noon on October 31, with both sides seeking to end their 2026 campaigns on a high after falling short in the semi-finals.

For Ssenkaali, the match is an opportunity to put the disappointment of their semi-final elimination behind them and give Butambala something to celebrate after a season in which they reached the last four for the first time in their history.

“We are prepared to take third place. Every player is around and in good condition apart from two who are away sitting for their S.6 examinations, but we shall try as much as possible to get them since the examinations are next week,” Ssenkaali said.

“We are ready to give you a good performance.”

The Butambala coach also took time to appreciate journalists for their support throughout the tournament.

“I am thankful that you have been there for us as journalists,” he said.

Saturday’s match will be another important test for a side that has grown in confidence after making history in the Buganda Kingdom tournament.

Before this season, Butambala had never progressed beyond the earlier stages of the competition. Their breakthrough came when they defeated Busujju on penalties in the quarter-finals to book their first-ever semi-final appearance.

However, their impressive run came to an end against Gomba, who won the first leg 2-0 before adding a 1-0 victory in the return leg to advance 3-0 on aggregate.

Despite the setback, Ssenkaali believes reaching the semifinals was an important achievement and is now focused on ensuring his team finishes the job by claiming third place.

“Since it’s my first time reaching a semi-final, I only look to finish well,” he said.

Ssenkaali expects tight contest

Eddy Ssenkaali

Butambala will not have an easy afternoon against a Bugerere side that also has something to prove.

Bugerere were eliminated by Kyaggwe in the semifinals, losing 1-0 on aggregate, and will be eager to avoid another defeat in the third-place playoff.

Ssenkaali expects a closely contested encounter, pointing to the quality available on both sides.

“All teams are powerful. I have played against most of these players with my team and, from what I have seen, this game might end in a draw and then penalties. At that point, only God can decide,” he said.

The two teams have taken different routes to this stage, but both will be desperate to finish among the tournament’s top three.

Butambala have made significant progress from last year, when they finished sixth and last in their Muganzirwazza group and failed to reach the knockout stages.

Bugerere, meanwhile, are familiar with the pressure of the closing stages of the competition. In 2025, they reached the semi-finals after overcoming Buluuli 3-2 on aggregate, winning the first leg 2-1 before drawing the return match 1-1.

Their campaign then stalled against Ssingo, who won the first leg 2-1 before a goalless draw in the return leg secured a 2-1 aggregate victory.

Bugerere subsequently lost 1-0 to Kyaggwe in the third-place playoff at Nakivubo Stadium on November 1, 2025, finishing fourth.

They will be determined to avoid a repeat of that outcome on Saturday.

Mubiru eyes Golden Boot

While Butambala are chasing a team prize, forward Dathan Mubiru will have an individual target to pursue.

Mubiru has scored five goals in the 2026 tournament and remains in contention for the Golden Boot, although Gomba’s Meddie Kasule leads the standings with six goals.

Kyaggwe’s Lauben Lubwama and Ssese’s Raymond Kayemba have also scored five goals each, leaving Mubiru with little room for error if he is to finish as the tournament’s leading scorer.

Busujju’s Erias Kiyemba, Gomba’s Alfred Ssebunya and Buvuma’s Rogers Kaweesi have four goals apiece.

Bugerere’s David Ovamas Opio, Buddu’s Ronald Obedi and Bulemeezi’s Shafik Nyanzi have each scored three goals.

Mubiru’s finishing could therefore be crucial to Butambala’s hopes of claiming the bronze medal, while also keeping his Golden Boot ambitions alive.

He will be supported by a squad that includes forwards Brian Katete and Lorian Lwesibawa.

Goalkeepers George Opio and Edris Waibi are among Butambala’s options between the posts, while defenders Isma Kagere and Ahmed Kayongo will be expected to help keep Bugerere’s attack at bay.

Shaban Gyagenda, Nicholas Kirabira and Romario Annafi are other key members of the side who could play important roles in midfield.

Bugerere bank on key performers

Bugerere, coached by Steven Bogere and assisted by Edward Gracious Ssemogerere, will also rely on their key performers to secure third place.

Playmaker Julius Ssenyonjo has been one of their most influential players, registering five assists during the campaign. David Ovamas Opio, meanwhile, has scored three goals and remains an important attacking threat.

Forward Swaibu Lubega, a member of Bugerere’s 25-man squad, and Eddy Matovu provide further options in attack.

Ibrahim Isabirye and Abubaker Saidi are expected to play important roles in midfield, while goalkeepers Salim Abdallah Ssekamwa and Patrick Mubiru offer options at the back.

Defenders Eriya Bukenya and Yuda Tadeo Dumba will also be tasked with helping contain Butambala’s attacking threat.

Under chairperson Haj Khalid Lukwago, Bugerere have recorded five wins, five draws and four defeats in 14 matches. They have scored 12 goals and conceded nine on their way to the third-place playoff.

Saturday’s encounter will kick off at noon at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, ahead of the main final between Gomba and Kyaggwe.

A victory for Butambala would cap a memorable season in which they reached territory the county had never explored before. For Bugerere, it is another chance to finish on the podium after missing out last year.

Both sides have reasons to fight, but only one will leave Wankulukuku with the bronze medal.

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