By Our Reporter
The Hamz Cup football tournament continued on Wednesday at the Hamz Nakivubo stadium with a thrilling round of 32 game between City Mall and Kirumira/Ntinda United.
Away from the pitch that was dominated by City Mall, the personalities on either technical seat were a point of attraction.
Former Big League side Ntungasaaze Coach Simon Dunga, who is currently coaching Gomba Ssaza side in the ongoing Airtel-Masaza Cup masterminded a 3-1 win over Ntinda that had Uganda Cranes star Savio Kabugo on the bench as one of the assistants.
City Mall deservedly took a 3-0 first half lead enroute to victory that sent them to the round of 16.
“I always come with a plan to take the lead and when I do, it is very hard for an opponent to make a comeback. In a knockout tournament, everything is calculative and we take it a game at ago,” noted Dunga, who now shifts focus to Sunday’ home game against Ssese in the next Masaza Cup.
According to Muwonge Expedito, the Ntinda United coach, Savio could not be fielded since the regulations do not allow Premier or Big League players.
“It is a very good tournament that gives an opportunity to players to have a feel of the artificial cup. The tournament helped us when we were going to play Catda in the Kampala region league play-offs. It is also a very good exposure ground for young talents,” noted Muwonge, who admitted that City was a better side.
“Our players were in different Masaza teams and coordination was hard,” he added.
The Hamz Cup football tournament was initiated by Dr. Hamis Kiggundu of Ham Enterprises to bring together the Kampala business community and also attract the business community back to supporting Ugandan football.
With a Shs100m total prize money, the winners have Shs50m at stake while the second, third and fourth placed sides will take Shs25m, Shs15m and Shs10m respectively on top of numerous individual awards.
Action returns next week with one fixture on the schedule.
