From a slow start to an anticipated strong ending, Yesu Afaayo and the committee are comfortably taking Kyadondo to the promised land.
Ahead of the 2026 Airtel Buganda Masaza Cup quarterfinal first leg in Ntenjeru, where the Kyadondo Ssaza team will face last season’s semifinalists Bugerere, the dream in the Kyadondo camp is growing bigger as the team eyes an end to its 18-year wait for the Masaza Cup title.
Sam Ssemugugu scored against IUEA yesterday during a friendly match- credit to Lubega Media
On Wednesday, the team defeated the International University of East Africa 1-0, with a goal scored by Sam Ssemugugu off a cross from new recruit Bruno Mukwaya; the right-flank delivery found the touring forward, who nodded it into the top corner in the second half of the practice match.
Sam Ssemuggu goalscorer against IUEA credit to Lubega Media
The match, played in Wampeewo on Tuesday, September 8, was organized both as a build-up game for the quarterfinal fixtures and as an unveiling platform for the three new signings secured in the third and final window of the Masaza Cup, which opened at the end of the group stage.
The three new recruits — former Gomba midfielder Lawrence Kakande, lightning-fast winger Bruno Mukwaya, who last featured for Mawokota in this Masaza Cup, and novice left-back Shafic Ssembatya — were brought in to beef up the team.
New Recruit- Lawrence Kakande in action against IUEA during a friendly match yesterday- credit to Lubega Media
After the match, Kyadondo Ssaza team coach Noah Mugerwa shared his thoughts: “At first, I applaud our boss, Yesu Afaayo. He is honest and calm when handling issues concerning players, coaches, and the entire team; he makes everything easy to keep under control. It is time to dream big; from the slow start, we are now dreaming, and we are hoping for a strong finish.”
Team management committee chairman Nicholas Lubwama ‘Yesu Afaayo’ continued to express his commitment to leading Kyadondo to new heights. “I am glad that our team is moving in the right direction; we are deliberate about that. As the management, we have managed to pay our players and now owe them nothing.”
However, sources in the camp reveal that Yesu Afaayo has contributed around 96 percent of the team’s expenses this season; he continues to urge people in Kyadondo and outside the county to come on board and contribute to their team in any way. “I urge our people and well-wishers to continue coming on board.
Although we are up to date with expenses, we need to keep the team highly motivated, so the door remains open for anyone who wishes to contribute towards this journey. We hope our 15 Members of Parliament will come and get closer to the team,” he further stated.
Credit to Lubega Media
Kyadondo will travel to Bugerere this Sunday, September 13, for the quarterfinal first leg at Ntenjeru Ssaza Ground in Kayunga before hosting the return leg at St. Noah Sserwanga Playground, dubbed Santana Playground in Wampeewo, next Sunday, September 20.