Namboole Stadium was filled with excitement and emotion last evening as South Sudanese fans used the AFCON 2025 qualifiers match to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Kabaka of Buganda, His Majesty Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
With colorful placards raised high, the fans praised the Kabaka for giving South Sudanese players a rare opportunity to participate in the prestigious Masaza Cup tournament, describing the gesture as transformative and deeply appreciated.
“Ssabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi. Thank you so much for making our Boys Star at Masaza Cup tournament. Bulemeezi is our home,” the wrote this on the banners.
South Sudanese fans believe that this an annual tournament featuring Buganda’s counties, has offered their athletes a valuable platform to develop their skills, gain visibility, and advance their professional football careers.
Clad in their national colors, the fans cheered enthusiastically, recognizing the Kabaka’s open door policy as a significant boost for young South Sudanese footballers.
“Our players have not only become better on the field but have also grown in discipline and character,” remarked a South Sudanese supporter. “The chance to participate at such a high level means a lot to us as a country still rebuilding in many sectors, including sports.”
The Masaza Cup has earned a reputation for nurturing emerging talent and drawing the attention of scouts from regional and international clubs.
The inclusion of South Sudanese players exemplifies the tournament’s inclusive spirit and the Kabaka’s vision of sports as a unifying force that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
At Namboole, South Sudanese fans felt right at home, even joining in to cheer for the Uganda Cranes players, as many of them reside in Uganda.
Uganda secured a 1-0 victory in a lively atmosphere at Namboole during the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The team will travel to Juba for the return leg.
As they left the stadium, South Sudanese fans vowed to defeat the Uganda Cranes in Juba, declaring, “We are waiting for you at home.”
