DEFENDING CHAMPIONS START THE SEASON ON A HIGH NOTE
Buddu beat Gomba 1-0 in 2025 Masaza Cup opener at Kitovu Sports Arena in Masaka Defending champions Buddu secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Gomba in the 2025 Masaza Cup opener at Kitovu Sports Arena on Saturday, June 21st, 2025. Crispus Sseruwugge’s decisive goal earned Buddu a stunning win in front of a packed crowd, and he was named Man of the Match. The match which started with Gomba dominating the first half ended in Buddu’s favour as they capitalised on their key chance in the second half. A midfield dominated by Nicolas Jjonga gave the hosts rhythm putting Gomba on the receiving end defending their hearts out. Buddu showcased a strong midfield performance, anchored by Nicholas Jjonga and winger Godfrey Oyaka, who put on an impressive display. This victory marks an optimistic start for Buddu as they aim to achieve a historic feat by becoming the first team to successfully defend their title. A mammoth record crowd graced the Kitovu Arena to witness the thrilling match between Buddu and Gomba. Despite the loss, Gomba remains a formidable team, having won the tournament five times, and will be a team to watch as the tournament progresses. The 2025 Masaza Cup is the 21st edition of the tournament, featuring 18 counties from the Buganda Kingdom. The tournament will run until November, with the next fixtures scheduled for June 28th and 29th, 2025 with a set of compelling matchups lined up. Ssese will host Bululi at Lutoboka ground, Kyadondo squares off against Bulemeezi at Nakivubo Stadium, while Kabula entertains Ssingo at the Bakijjulula playground. Starting Lineups: Buddu:Marvin Ssali (GK), Joseph Kayondo, Latif Lubega, Ismail Busuulwa, Bryan Matu, Godfrey Oyaka, Nicholas Jjonga, Chrispus Sseruwuge, Steven Yiga, Sulaiman Mutyaba, Mike Walaga Gomba:Julius Ssenyonjo (GK), Isaac Apenyo, Hasan Penso Nsubuga, Muhamed Mutamba, Herbert Onen, Dirisa Masembe, Nicholas Kirabira, Joseph Ssewali, Micheal Abura, Robert Ssewanyana, Calvin Otim
MASAZA CUP EXPLODES BACK INTO ACTION
The 2025 Masaza Cup is set to take the opening stanza of the story as Buddu hosts Gomba at Kitovu Sports Arena in the 21st edition opener. Buddu is the defending champions while Gomba is the record champions and the fixtures curing bad and worse histories making the game a clash of Titans. Going in the game defending champions are set to assemble a totally different team having changed almost the entire squad only keeping 6 members of the winning squad. Some of the key retained players are Mike Walaga and Joseph Kayondo both had 10 goals combined in the title winning campaign despite Kayondo being a defender but he managed for goals. From the winning Coaching staff who left to Gomba and got replaced by a group of technicians headed by Eric Kisuze who guided Kabula to unusual heights last season by reaching quarterfinals where he was stopped by Buddu. In the heart of regaining winning desires, Team Manager Vincent Ziwa took one of deep surgery of the squad where he captured key players like Hot Cake Nicholas Junga from Kabula Junga is the player expected to execute Buddu playing style replacing Pius Ssebulime who has been taking the responsibility before rejoining Mawokota. Ahead of the opening match, Buddu under new stuardship excepted to spring on the services of Goalkeeper Marvin Ssebirungo, Joseph Kayondo, Mike Waraga and Ivan Kanda another new signing. On Gomba Side, Coach Simon Dungu Dunga and his backroom are the Masaza cup defending coaches but with a different team. After a shocking campaign resulted to stop at the group stage, Gomba took an early preparation for the 2025 season, getting the management six months before the beginning of the campaign, Securing the coaching department over three months to the opening. After drawing the base lines, Gomba recruited a very strong squad, regained Herbert Onen from Buddu, added on other players like Joseph Ssewaali from Ssingo, Michael Abura from Mawokota and they are starting the competition with high hope to win the trophy as they seek to end a five-year span without a trophy. In Friendlies, all the teams have been on a good notch with just a draws as the lowest records building the momentum for both sides ahead of the opening match. Based on significant recent meetings Gomba holds a head-to-Head advantage over Buddu having eliminated in the most recent meeting in semifinals of 2023 and defeated them 3-1 in the finals of 2021 for the fifth Masaza cup final.
Buganda Masaza Cup Opening Set at Kitovu Sports Arena as Organizers Warn Against Chaos
The preparations to launch the Buganda Masaza Cup at Kitovu Sports Arena are now complete, and what remains is for the fans to turn up and watch the highly anticipated match. The Minister for Youth, Sports, and Recreation in the Buganda Kingdom, Owek. Ssalongo Robert Sserwanga, has issued a stern warning to anyone planning to cause chaos during the opening game of this year’s tournament. He emphasized that strict security measures have been put in place at Kitovu Sports Arena, the venue for the opening match, where Buddu will face off with Gomba. Minister Robert Sserwanga delivered this message during a press conference held at Kitovu Sports Arena where officials were providing an update on the tournament’s launch scheduled for tomorrow. Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Masaza organizing committee, Sulaiman Ssejengo, said that one of the key priorities for the match is ensuring that Kabaka’s subjects enjoy the game in peace and return home safely. He stressed that this will only be achieved by strictly following the rules and guidelines set at the stadium. On his part, Buddu team manager Ziwa Steven called on all Buddu supporters to show up in large numbers to support their county. He confirmed that the players are in good condition and ready to secure victory in tomorrow’s match.
Buddu Unveils 25-Man Squad for 2025 Buganda Masaza Cup Campaign
Buddu County has officially unveiled a 25-man squad set to represent and help reclaim the prestigious Buganda Masaza Cup title in the 2025 season. Among the selected players are: Ssebirago Marvin (former Buddu player) Kibunga Ashiraf (from Mawogola) Kaweesi Eric (from Kyaddondo) Busuulwa Ismaiel (from Ssesse) Lubega Latif (former Buddu player) Tumusiime Henry (from Mawokota) Kayondo Joseph (former Buddu player) Okecho David (first-time selection) Mutyaba Sulaiman (from Busiro) Abalirya Peter (from Mawokota) Jonga Nicholas (from Kabula) Muliika Patrick (from Mawogola) Tumusiime Matu (first-time selection) Kasule Meddie (from Buddu) Yiga Steven (first-time selection) Waraga Micheal (former Buddu player) Agamire Ivan Kanda (from Kabula) Sseruwugge Cryspus (from Kabula) Walugembe Derrick (from Butambala) Kidega Godfrey (from Buweekula) Mubiru Dasan (from Kyaddondo) Owen Rusongoza (former Buddu player) Kanyike Mohammed (from Bululi) Oboth Due Ronald (from Bulemeezi) Ssebadduka Kenneth (from Singo) Muwawu Steven Oyaka Godfrey (former Buddu player) The people of Buddu have been urged to uphold discipline and good conduct to support the team’s journey to victory in this year’s Masaza Cup. They are encouraged to avoid any acts that could lead to chaos or conflict during matches. This message was delivered by Pokino Jude Muleke, the Kabaka’s representative in Buddu County, during the squad unveiling at Sport Arena. He noted that while the team still faces financial challenges, maintaining discipline among players and supporters is the key to achieving success. Meanwhile, former Mukwenda, Owek. Godfrey Mbalire, expressed concern over political leaders who wait until the final stages of the tournament to show interest, often neglecting their teams at the beginning. He called on leaders, especially those from Buddu, to support the team by contributing financially to help it reach the finals and win the cup. Team Manager Ssalongo Zziwa Steven emphasized that the team has shown great potential and every match played has built hope. He encouraged all people of Buddu to come out in full force and support their team throughout the tournament. Ssebina Gyaviira Lubowa, who is vying for the parliamentary seat to represent Nyendo-Mukungwe, has extended financial support worth UGX 2 million to the Buddu Masaza Cup team. His contribution is aimed at helping the team reach the finals of the prestigious Buganda Masaza Cup tournament. This gesture demonstrates his commitment to promoting sports and community development in Buddu. It also comes at a crucial time when the team is mobilizing resources to boost its chances of reclaiming the Masaza Cup title this 2025 season. Kanso Muyizzi Samuel, another contender for the Nyendo-Mukungwe parliamentary seat, has pledged to cover the costs of match venues for every game Buddu will play in this year’s Masaza Cup tournament. His commitment is seen as a major boost to the team’s preparations and morale as they strive to reach and win the finals. Muyizzi emphasized that supporting sports is part of his broader vision to uplift the youth and promote unity within the division through football and community involvement.
2024 Referees Wanjiku, Nabadda selected for TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON 2024
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has selected eight referees from the CECAFA Zone to officiate at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024. Kenya’s Josephine Wanjiku and Shamirah Nabadda are among the 18 centre referees selected for the tournament that takes place from July 5-26 in Morocco. CAF announced on Thursday names of the 18 referees, 18 assistant referees and 10 Video Assistant Referees (VAR) from 30 different countries on the continent. Apart from Wanjikuri and Nabadda (also officiated 2025 AFCON U-20), the other referees selected include Aline Umutoni (Rwanda) and Suavis Iratunga (Burundi). The CECAFA Zone will have two Assistant Referees Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) and Burundi’s Fides Bangourabona, while Salima Rhadia Mukansanga (Rwanda) and Abdalaziz Yasir Ahmed (Sudan) are selected as VAR referees. Tanzania are the only team from the CECAFA Zone that qualified to play in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. Group A: Morocco, Zambia, Senegal, DR Congo Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Botswana Group C: South Africa, Ghana, Mali, Tanzania
New York Red Bulls Announce Promotion of NYRB II Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya to Full-Time First Team Assistant Coach
The New York Red Bulls have announced today that New York Red Bulls II Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya has been promoted to a full-time First Team Assistant Coach. “We are pleased to add Ibra [Sekagya] to our first team coaching staff on a full-time basis,” said Head of Sport Jochen Schneider. “He has led the development of many great players at NYRB II and have led the team to a great start to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season. He has earned this opportunity, and we are grateful to have him as a part of this organization.” Sekagya replaces former Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibisevic who has been serving as the club’s assistant coach for the past 18 months. Sekagya will assume full-time responsibilities as a First Team Assistant Coach immediately. Sekagya’s last match in charge of NYRB II will be on Saturday, June 15 against Chattanooga FC at MSU Soccer Park. A new NYRB II Head Coach will be announced at a later date. Sekagya has served as NYRB II Head Coach since February 6, 2023. In his first full season at the helm, Sekagya led NYRB II to the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference semifinals, the club had a record of 14-8-6 and finished fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Prior to being head coach, Sekagya served as an assistant coach for NYRB II since their inaugural season in 2015. This season, Sekagya has led NYRB II to their best start in franchise history through 12 games played with an 8-2-2 mark and 27 points accumulated. NYRB II currently rank in first place in the Eastern Conference of MLS NEXT Pro with a league-high 27 goals scored. Sekagya has also helped develop the likes of Omar Valencia, who currently leads the first team in assists with five, and Mohammed Sofo, who has contributed seven goals across all competitions this season. The former Arsenal De Sarandi defender played for the New York Red Bulls for two seasons in 2013 and 2014, where he made 41 appearances across all competitions and was a member of the 2013 Supporters Shield winning team. He also played for Red Bull Salzburg from 2007 to 2013, where he made 225 appearances for the club.
Carlo Ancelotti earns first win as Brazil book World Cup spot
Brazil qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win against Paraguay in South American qualifying to give Carlo Ancelotti his first win as manager. Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr scored from close range in the second half, finishing after fine work from Manchester United-bound playmaker Matheus Cunha. The victory, Ancelotti’s first after a 0-0 draw against Ecuador on his debut last week, means Brazil have now qualified for every edition of the World Cup. “We needed to win and qualify for the World Cup,” said Vinicius Jr. “Now the coach will have more time to work. Of course today wasn’t one of our best performances, but the important thing is always to win. “Now it’s time to celebrate qualifying.” Elsewhere, World Cup holders Argentina played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Colombia in Buenos Aires. Liverpool winger Luis Diaz opened the scoring with a fine individual goal, dancing through three defenders before finishing past Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Argentina were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes remaining when Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a high-boot challenge on Colombia’s Kevin Castano. But Lionel Messi’s side found an equaliser nine minutes from the end through Lyon’s Thiago Almada, leaving Colombia four points clear of seventh-placed Venezuela. Ecuador, Argentina’s nearest challengers, booked their spot at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States after a 0-0 draw away at Peru
Man City confirm £46.5m signing of Reijnders
Manchester City have confirmed the signing of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders for an initial fee of £46.5m on a five-year contract. The Netherlands international is Pep Guardiola’s fourth summer signing with Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Rayan Cherki having also joined. Reijnders, 26, was signed in time to be eligible for this month’s Club World Cup in America and could make his debut on 18 June against Wydad FC. “I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” Reijnders said. “City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities. “Under Pep Guardiola, City have won so many titles and I want to help keep that going with a lot more success in the coming years.” The midfielder has been capped 22 times by the Netherlands but was left on the bench during Tuesday night’s 8-0 thrashing of Malta. He scored 15 goals in 54 matches across all competitions for Milan last term and was named Serie A’s midfielder of the season. With Kevin de Bruyne departing the club, Reijnders will strengthen the centre of the pitch for Guardiola as they look to improve on their third-placed Premier League finish last season. City boost squad for Club World Cup A question being asked in the lead up to the Club World Cup was how seriously teams would be taking the expanded competition. Manchester City have emphatically answered that question by moving quickly to bolster a wounded squad that will now hope to go far in the competition in the United States. With De Bruyne departing and a hole left in attacking midfield, City were eyeing up Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz but decided not to pursue a deal. Instead, they have boosted the side with the signings of midfielder Reijnders and Cherki and left-back Ait-Nouri for a total of around £108m, which is less than the reported 150m Euros (£127m) asking price for the Germany international. All three, plus new goalkeeper Bettinelli, are available for selection for the Club World Cup with City facing Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia first on 18 June.
Man City sign goalkeeper Bettinelli from Chelsea
Manchester City have signed English goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea for a nominal fee on a contract lasting until 2026. The move for the 33-year-old former Fulham stopper comes after the announcement on Monday that veteran keeper Scott Carson would be leaving City at the end of the month. He will be City’s second signing of the summer after capturing left-back Rayan Air-Nouri from Wolves for £31m. Bettinelli said after his arrival at the Etihad Stadium: “It’s an honour to sign for City. I have admired from afar what this club have achieved since Pep Guardiola arrived and now, I am excited to be a part of building on that success. “I can’t wait to work with Pep, Xabi Mancisidor and the excellent goalkeepers already here and see their methods up close. “Hopefully I can contribute in training, the dressing room and on the pitch as we look to win more silverware over the next year.” Bettinelli, who had one year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, joined Chelsea in 2021 but went on to make just one appearance. He is expected to be a part of the City squad who fly to America for the Club World Cup this month.
Jobe Bellingham joins Dortmund for initial £27m
Jobe Bellingham has joined Borussia Dortmund from Sunderland on a five-year contract until June 2030. Sunderland say the fee is a club record, believed to be 32m euros (£26.96m) plus 5m euros (£4.2m) in add-ons. The 19-year-old midfielder has played for the Black Cats since 2023, making 90 appearances, and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League last season. Bellingham began his career at Birmingham City, coming through the academy before playing two years of senior football for the club. In a statement, Bellingham said he is proud of the “strong” relationship he has with Sunderland supporters. “I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be,” he said. Bellingham was named Championship young player of the season for his performances during Sunderland’s promotion-winning campaign. With the deal being completed by 10 June, Bellingham can play for Dortmund at the Club World Cup, which begins on Sunday. Dortmund’s opening group game is against Brazilian side Fluminense on 17 June at 17:00 BST. Bellingham has been named in the England squad for the European Under-21 Championship, to be held in Slovakia from 11-28 June. But head coach Lee Carsley has said he will release players so they can compete at the Club World Cup in the United States. Bellingham is following in the footsteps of older brother Jude by moving to the Bundesliga, as the England midfielder – who also came through the Birmingham City youth system – spent three years with Dortmund before joining Real Madrid in 2023. He added in his farewell to Sunderland fans: “I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return, you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. “I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life.” Dortmund, who have won eight German league titles, secured Champions League qualification by finishing fourth in the Bundesliga last season.