The MTN Tooro Kingdom 2023 Masaza Cup Tournament has reached an exhilarating stage as four counties secured their spots in the semi-finals. The football matches and the equally thrilling MTN Tooro Kingdom Masaza Bicycle Races in Karugutu showcased skill, sportsmanship, and determination, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.

The Group C Football matches held on Sunday at Karugutu Primary School playground saw intense battles between the teams, all eager to secure a spot in the semi-finals and compete for the coveted title. In the first game, Burahya clashed with Bunyangabu, with Burahya coming out victorious with a 1-0 scoreline. Meanwhile, the match between Ntoroko and Bunyangabu ended in a goalless draw. In the final game, Ntoroko and Burahya battled fiercely, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

With these results, Burahya earned 4 points, securing their place in the semi-finals set to take place on July 28. In the first semi-final match, Mwenge North will face Mwenge South, and in the second semi-final, Burahya will likely meet Kyaka if Kyaka’s pending petition is resolved in time.

The Tooro Kingdom MTN Masaza Bicycle Races saw over 30 participants competing in two categories – sports bikes and ordinary bikes – over a challenging 34 Km route from Karugutu to Kakooge and back.

In the sports bikes category, Albert Ajuna showcased exceptional speed and skill, crossing the finish line first and securing the top spot. Yusuf Kusemerwa demonstrated great prowess, claiming the second position, while Kevo Mubarak, David Baluku, and Fenehasi Muhindo qualified as the top five riders.

In the ordinary bikes category, Steven Black displayed his cycling expertise, clinching the victory. Ashaba Sele, Robert Musinguzi, Sqad Businge, and Joseph Alituha secured the second to fifth positions, respectively.

The semi-finals for the bicycle racing tournament will culminate in the grand finals on August 12 in Fort Portal city, with Albert Ajuna and Steven Black advancing as winners from their respective categories.

The MTN Tooro Kingdom Masaza Cup Tournament and Bicycle Races have been made possible through the support of MTN Uganda, the main sponsor. The winner of the football tournament will be awarded a trophy and a cash prize of Shs 5 million, with the runner-up receiving Shs 2.5 million.

In the bicycle races, the winner of the ordinary bikes category will be rewarded with Shs 1.5 million, while the sports bike champion will receive Shs 1 million.

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru, the monarch of Tooro Kingdom, is expected to grace the grand finals of the tournament which have been used as a platform to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among his subjects. 

As the semi-finals approach, football enthusiasts and cycling enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the thrilling clashes between the talented counties and cyclists. Emotions are running high, and the quest for glory is at its peak, promising a series of unforgettable moments in Tooro Kingdom’s sporting history.