Rukiga’s Kangondo Parish Football Club from Mparo Town Council emerged victorious in the Hon. Roland Bish New Year’s Cup 2024, defeating Kigara Parish of Kamwezi Sub County in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The final match, held at the Kamwezi Sub County Playground, ended in a 0-0 draw after full time. In the penalty shootout, Kangondo clinched the win with a narrow 4-3 scoreline, dethroning the defending champions, Kigara Parish.
The tournament, organized by Rukiga County Legislator Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, attracted hundreds of spectators. It opened with a curtain-raiser match between Kigezi Home Boyz and Rukiga Select, which also ended in a goalless draw.
Starting on December 4, 2024, the competition featured 30 teams representing all parishes in Rukiga District. Teams battled through group stages, quarterfinals, and semifinals, culminating in the highly anticipated final between the 2022 champions Kangondo Parish and the reigning champions Kigara Parish.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, popularly known as Bish, emphasized the transformative power of football beyond the game itself.
“Football is not just about the game; it’s a uniting factor for our communities. My aim with this tournament is to bring people together, identify local talent, and provide opportunities for our youth to advance in football,” he stated.
Hon. Bish further reiterated his commitment to advocating for improved infrastructure in the Kigezi Sub Region. He highlighted the urgent need for enhanced sports facilities to nurture local talent and foster community cohesion.
“It’s disheartening that such talent competes on poorly maintained grounds. We must prioritize investment in sports infrastructure to inspire future champions,” he emphasized.
Kangondo Parish captain Crannimah Mugarura, celebrating the win, acknowledged the team’s hard work and determination throughout the tournament.
“This victory means a lot to us. It wasn’t an easy road, but our teamwork and resilience carried us through. We thank Hon. Bish for organizing this tournament and uniting us through sports,” said Captain Mugarura.
Akankwasa Brian, Chief Executive Officer of Kigezi Homeboyz Football Club, expressed excitement about participating in the community games as part of their 2024/25 season activities.
“Coming to Rukiga and engaging in community games is part of our plan to inspire the community and identify talent. Our focus is to have 90% of our players from Kigezi, and these events provide the perfect platform for scouting and developing local talent,” Akankwasa explained.
The winners received a UGX 2M cash prize and gold medals, while the runners-up were awarded UGX 1M and silver medals, marking a celebratory conclusion to the thrilling tournament. Each participating team received a full set of jerseys, further demonstrating Hon. Bish’s commitment to supporting grassroots football.
The Hon. Roland Bish New Year’s Cup has grown into a cherished tradition since his entry into Parliament in 2021, bringing communities together, fostering sportsmanship, and providing a platform for young talent in the region.
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