Grassroots football in Masindi Municipality received a major boost following the successful conclusion of the inaugural Sunny Magezi Academy Football Tournament, which showcased emerging talent and brought together communities through sport.
Kahaara emerged champions after edging Creamland 1-0 in a fiercely contested final played at Sunny Magezi Sports Ground in Kinuuma Village.
Simon “Fermino” Kugonza scored the decisive goal to secure the trophy for Kahaara, who were rewarded with a bull, gold medals and a new set of jerseys.
Kugonza described the victory as a memorable achievement, expressing hope that the tournament would open doors for local players to attract attention from bigger clubs.
Creamland finished runners-up, taking home a goat, silver medals and jerseys. The team also produced the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper, Norbert Klits, and Best Defender, Marvin Carie.
Rashid Tugonza of Katafali claimed the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in the competition.
Katafali secured third place with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Kijenga United. Despite Wilson Taremwa giving Kijenga an early lead, Katafali responded through braces from Johnson Ayesiga and Julius Assimwe, while Brian Isingoma added another goal.
The tournament coincided with the first anniversary celebrations of Sunny Magezi Academy, a nursery and primary school established by the Aliguma Foundation to promote education, empowerment and community development.
The celebrations also featured the graduation of the school’s first Grade Three class, attended by dignitaries including Lana Surface, Head of Culture and Education at the American Embassy in Uganda, and Buruli County Member of Parliament Aled Akugizibwe.
Surface commended the Aliguma Foundation for combining education, sports and community engagement, pledging continued support for its initiatives.
The organisers say the football tournament will become an annual event, providing a platform for young talent in Masindi to develop, compete and pursue opportunities in football.
