The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek. Charles Peter Mayiga has implored the youth to take advantage of their youthful age as an enabler to tackle any opportunity in any given field of life.
While unveiling the 20th edition of Masaza Cup at Bulange Mengo, Owek. Mayiga highlighted the need for young people to embrace the available opportunities that he revealed do not come openly but require once ability to sense and put their best foot forward for them.
Research indicates that over 80% of people, who succeed in life, discover their talent when they are still in their youthful age. And by the way your ability to notice an opportunity when it happens, is what greatly counts, you ought to take a step to grab and utilize it the way you deem it fit but most importantly, you have to put it into better use.”
Owek. Mayiga noted that, the young people should have in mind that opportunities normally come silent and will never pronounce its presence but, “it’s incumbent you to notice and take up them as they come. I would therefore want to assure you that the Masaza Cup is a great opportunity for young people not only to showcase their talents in the form of football but an avenue to earn money as well since football is no longer for fun but a job where footballers are paid,” Owek Mayiga noted.
“Today as we launch this years’ edition, allow me to retaliate my gratitude to Airtel Uganda for the continued support towards embracing all that which concerns the young people. And to the participants, let’s know this is a job and as you are all aware, every job should be taken seriously and should be well guarded to ensure success and development.”
Mayiga, recognized Airtel’s positive contribution towards Masaza Cup which has grown to be a sought-after activity on Uganda’s sports calendar and an initiative that positively impacts people in the communities where it operates. He furthermore, deployed all emphasis on discipline by participating teams, players and as well as the officials that should be well observed before, during and after the tournament.
Since its inception in 2004, the Buganda Kingdom has implemented various initiatives such as the Masaza Football tournament that have contributed to the socio-economic development of communities and the country at large. The participating teams are made up of the different counties (Masaza) that make up the kingdom and the surrounding regions.
Speaking at the launch, Ali Balunywa, the sales & distribution director, Airtel Uganda said, “Today we gather once again to launch the Masaza Cup tournament which is now in its 20th edition. The tournament serves as a flagship initiative to promote unity, preserve cultural heritage, and foster sportsmanship in the country and on behalf of Airtel Uganda, I’d like to express our gratitude for allowing us to be part of this prestigious event.”
“Over the years, the Masaza Cup has grown to become more than just a football tournament. It is a celebration of culture, a platform for young talent to shine, and a conducive ground for socio-economic networking. Sports has the power to transform lives and the Masaza Cup embodies this ideal perfectly as we once again use the platform to rally the masses to join in the fight to end HIV/AIDs by 2030,” He added.
18 teams from the 18 counties will participate in the tournament similar to the past 4 editions. This year’s tournament will rally the men of the kingdom and fellow Ugandans to join in the fight to end HIV/AIDs by 2030.
“The impact of the Masaza Cup over the past 19 editions has been profound. The tournament has unearthed football talents who have gone on to represent Uganda on national and international stages. Players like Fahad Bayo (Ssingo), Abdu Azziizi, and Halid Lwaliwa (Mawokota) are shining lights in the recent Uganda Cranes team. The tournament has also strengthened the bonds within communities, and it has inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams, giving them a Reason to Imagine.” Ali Balunywa concluded.
The opening match of the 2024 Masaza Cup will see Bulemezi take on Buluuli at Kasana grounds in Luwero District on June 22nd, 2024.
