Playing Before Thousands Prepared Me For The National Team”- Miya

Masaza Cup Made Me: Farouk Miya On The Tournament That Shaped Him

From Masaza Cup Lights To Cranes Greatness: The Farouk Miya Story

Long before he became a Uganda Cranes legend, Farouk Miya was just a teenager trying to balance books and football.

Today, at 28, he sits third on Uganda’s all-time scoring chart with 24 goals — behind only Majid Musisi (35) and Emmanuel Okwi (28). But Miya says the foundation for that journey was laid in the Airtel Masaza Cup.

Miya’s football story began almost by chance. His talent caught the eye of Dr Eddie Butindo of Kyambogo University, a family friend.

What started as casual training with the Kyambogo girls’ team led to the Kampala Kids League, then Bulo Parents SS, and eventually a breakthrough performance against St Mary’s Kitende that earned him a spot at Kitende in Senior 3.

“I always played football for fun, but people kept telling me I had talent. My father was a lecturer and always encouraged me to concentrate on my books rather than football,” Miya recalls.

The 2013 Moment That Changed Everything

At Kitende, Miya’s versatility made him stand out. He could play anywhere across midfield and even in defence.

That caught the attention of Edward Golola, who was then coaching Mawokota FC in the Masaza Cup. Balancing school, Miya would leave Kitende two days before games to play, then return immediately.

In the 2013 Masaza Cup final vs Ssingo at Nakivubo, with the Kabaka watching, Miya scored a dramatic late free-kick to deliver Mawokota a 1-0 win and their third title.

“That victory still feels fresh. Scoring the winning goal against Ssingo in the presence of the Kabaka was unforgettable. Getting the chance to shake his hand while receiving my medal remains one of the proudest moments in my career,” he says.

For Miya, Masaza was more than silverware. It was pressure training.

“Playing before thousands of passionate fans in the Masaza Cup prepared me for the national team. The atmosphere is unique because supporters come in numbers, deeply loyal to their counties. That experience gave me confidence to deliver in front of big crowds,” he explains.

“Some players have talent but find it difficult to handle national team pressure. The Masaza Cup helped me overcome that fear.”

That belief showed. He helped Kitende win back-to-back Copa Coca-Cola titles, became Vipers SC MVP with 11 goals and 7 assists, and earned a US$400,000 move to Standard Liege in Belgium.

He later played in Belgium, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Turkey and Greece, and became famous for the goal vs Comoros that took Uganda to AFCON 2017 after 39 years.

Now back at Vipers SC ahead of AFCON 2027, Miya credits Airtel for the platforms that shaped him — from Airtel Rising Stars to the Masaza Cup where he scored 8 goals for Mawokota.

He wants the tournament broadcast live to inspire the next generation.

“The Masaza Cup continues to produce players for the Uganda Premier League and the national team. If matches are broadcast live, more fans will support the game, and more young players will dream big.”

His advice to upcoming players is simple:

“Work hard, stay disciplined, and believe in yourself — that’s the beginning of every successful football career.”

Miya Farouk returned to Vipers SC and is part of the Squad that travelled for CECAFA Kagame Cup that will kick off tomorrow in Kigali Rwanda.