Kampala, Uganda – Last weekend, Buganda region U-17 boys’ and girls’ football teams faced off in the second regional games of the 2016 Airtel Rising Stars tournament played at the Technical Institute Grounds in Mubende and attended by residents of Mubende and surrounding districts, Airtel Uganda staff, members of FUFA as well as local leaders led by His Worship Ssekiziyivu Innocent, the Mayor of Mubende Municipality.
The games that took place on Saturday and Sunday saw Rhines S.S girls and Wakiso Hill S.S boys emerge victors and receive trophies, certificates, balls, kits and a cash prize of UGX 1,000,000 each. The first runners up – Mubende Select team boys and Mukono Bishops team girls – took home trophies, certificates, and a cash prize of UGX 500,000 each.
Speaking during the award giving ceremony, Airtel Uganda Brand and Assets Executive, Mr. Musa Mayanja applauded all the participating teams, players and coaches for their perseverance, dedication and hard work throughout the tournament.
“Over the past five seasons, we have seen many former ARS players go on to play for different clubs in Uganda as well as the national team and we believe that those qualities that this youth tournament instilled in them were a major contributor to their growth,” he said.
His Worship Ssekiziyivu Innocent, the Mayor of Mubende Municipality and Guest of Honor congratulated the winning teams and thanked Airtel Uganda and FUFA for their commitment to the development and empowerment of Ugandan youth through this soccer initiative. He also thanked the organizers for choosing Mubende town to host this prestigious youth tournament and encouraged the selected players to focus and train for the national championships.
The soccer talent search program will end in a fashionable football camp for select top talents who will emerge from the respective regions and will be mentored by professional football coaches and players.
