The 2024 Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom MTN Enganda Football Cup reached an exciting climax on Saturday, twenty fifth January, as Abaranzi claimed their maiden title with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Abagimu in entrance of a packed Booma Ground in Hoima City. The day additionally noticed the grand finals of the MTN Amasaza Bicycle Racing competitions, the place over 100 cyclists from 15 counties battled for glory in a spectacle that captivated hundreds of spectators.
Abaranzi Edge Abagimu in Football Final
The soccer closing was a showcase of dedication and ability, with Abaranzi breaking by means of Abagimu’s resilience to safe their first-ever Enganda Cup. Francis Mugisa opened the scoring within the twenty seventh minute, slotting dwelling a well-taken aim to present Abaranzi the lead. The first half noticed Abaranzi dominate possession, however Abagimu’s protection held agency, protecting the scoreline tight.
The second half introduced extra drama as William Nyakojo sealed the victory for Abaranzi within the 56th minute with a shocking long-range effort that left Abagimu goalkeeper Ibrahim Mwesige with no likelihood. The aim sparked wild celebrations among the many Abaranzi devoted, who had turned out in large numbers to assist their crew.
“We performed a really sturdy crew, however we have been decided and dedicated as a result of we wanted the trophy. This was our first time qualifying for the finals, and we needed it badly. Thank God we secured it,” mentioned Nyakojo, the match-winner.
Abaranzi’s coach, Joseph Tumwesige, praised his crew’s resilience and the unwavering assist of their followers. “It wasn’t a straightforward activity, proper from the group phases. But we had assembled an excellent crew, and we needed the trophy, which we have now lastly obtained,” Tumwesige mentioned.
For their efforts, Abaranzi walked away with UGX 2,000,000 in prize cash, a trophy, and gold medals, whereas Abagimu took dwelling UGX 1,000,000 and silver medals.
Bunyoro Kingdom’s Vision for Sports
The MTN Enganda Football Cup is greater than only a event; it’s a platform for unity, expertise improvement, and social change. Bunyoro Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga emphasised the event’s significance in bringing communities collectively and addressing crucial social points.
“Every yr, the event goes past soccer. It creates a platform that brings folks from all walks of life collectively to have a good time tradition, empower youth by means of sports activities, and tackle essential points like HIV/AIDS consciousness,” Byakutaga mentioned.
He additionally expressed gratitude to MTN Uganda for his or her continued sponsorship, which has helped elevate the event and the dominion’s different sporting initiatives, together with the Amasaza Bicycle Racing competitions.
Cyclists Shine in Amasaza Races
Earlier within the day, the MTN Amasaza Bicycle Racing competitions took middle stage, with over 100 cyclists from 15 counties competing within the grand finals. Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Hoima City to cheer on the riders as they raced by means of the city, culminating on the Booma Ground.
In the lads’s class, Kwikiriza Emmanuel emerged victorious, taking dwelling UGX 2,000,000, adopted by Asiimwe Mark (UGX 1,500,000) and Atugonza David (UGX 1,000,000). The girls’s class was equally aggressive, with Nyandera Sarah claiming the highest prize of UGX 2,000,000, adopted by Friday Evelyn (UGX 1,500,000) and Nyakabiito Rehema (UGX 1,000,000).
MTN’s Commitment to Sports Development
Abel Mwesigye, MTN Uganda’s Regional Business Manager for the Western Region, reiterated the corporate’s dedication to supporting sports activities within the Bunyoro Kingdom. “We have been working with the dominion to make sure we assist totally different sports activities actions. These occasions not solely promote expertise but additionally foster unity and group improvement,” Mwesigye mentioned.
A Day to Remember
The 2024 MTN Enganda Football Cup and Amasaza Bicycle Racing competitions have been a convincing success, showcasing one of the best of Bunyoro’s sporting expertise and group spirit. As the solar set on Booma Ground, the celebrations continued, with Abaranzi’s victory and the cyclists’ achievements marking a day that will probably be remembered for years to come back.
For Bunyoro Kingdom, the event stays a beacon of hope, unity, and progress, proving as soon as once more that sports activities have the facility to rework lives and convey folks collectively