Football
How Airtel Masaza Cup built Farouk Miya’s confidence in front of crowds
Famously known to fans as MuyizziTasubwa (a hunter who never misses), Farouk Miya has his name written on the wall of fame for Uganda’s football GOATs (Greatest of all times).
At 28, he is Uganda Cranes’ third all-time leading scorer with 24 goals, behind only Majid Musisi (35) and Emma Okwi (28).
Despite playing for big clubs in Europe and representing the national team on big stages, Miya attributes part of his success to Airtel Masaza Cup.
Ugandans will forever remember him for the decisive strike against Comoros that ended the country’s 39 year wait for qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Miya, that unforgettable moment was built on the confidence he developed while playing before packed crowds in the Airtel Masaza Cup with MawokotaFC in 2013.
Born in Kampala to Aisha Mutesi, a matron at Kyambogo University, and the late Yusuf Muhammad, Miya’s football journey began when his talent caught the attention of Dr Eddie Butindo, a lecturer at Kyambogo University and a friend to Miya’s mother.
While Butindo was coaching the Kyambogo girls’ football team, he invited Miya to train with them, just for fun.
To his surprise, Miya blended well. He later introduced him to the Kampala Kids League while he was still a pupil at Gombe Primary School.
Although his ability was evident from an early age, Miya admits football was never his biggest priority.
“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,” he recalls.
Butindo took Miya to Gombe SS where he was denied a bursary.
He later took him to Bulo Parents Secondary School in Butambala, where he put up an outstanding performance when his school drew against St Mary’s Secondary School Kitende in Buganda Schools Championship.
This stellar performance earned him a slot at Kitende while in S.3.
For Miya, joining Kitende meant competing alongside established school stars, including then captain Eddie Mubiru.
However, his versatility quickly made him indispensable.
“I could play as an attacking midfielder, winger, number ten, holding midfielder, even in defence. That flexibility helped me break into the first team.” He says.
While at Kitende, his coach Edward Golola, who had been appointed head coach of Mawokota Ssaza team invited him to be part of the team. Initially reluctant because of his academic commitments, Miya eventually accepted the invitation out of respect for Golola and because Kitende director Dr Lawrence Mulindwa hailed from Mawokota.
However, Miya’s academic focus did not allow him to stay in the camp throughout the tournament.
He would receive permission to leave school two days before matches, join the team for training, play the game and return immediately.
Miya’s Mawokota reached Masaza Cup finals with Ssingo, where he struck a dramatic late freekick winner to hand Mawokota a historic 1-0 victory at Nakivubo Stadium before a packed crowd in presence of Kabaka Mutebi.
“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.” Says Miya.
After a successful season at Masaza, Miya returned to Kitende for studies, which he had already helped win back to back Copa Coca-Cola National Schools Championships in 2012 and 2013.
His performance soon earned him a move to his school-affiliated Vipers Sports Clubduring his Senior Six vacation, where he played for one season and led them to an unbeaten league title, finished as the league’s Most Valuable Player after netting 11 goals and seven assists.
This success secured him a slot at the national team, and a record US$ 400,000 transfer to Belgian giants Standard Liege.
For Miya, the biggest achievement from the Airtel Masaza Cup was not a medal or a trophy, but the confidence to deliver results before large crowds.
“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 results in front of big crowds, something many who haven’t played in the tournament miss,”He says.
Miya believes that the same explains why some talented footballers excel at club level but struggle on the international stage.
“Some players have the talent and quality, but find it difficult to handle the pressure that comes with playing for the national team. The Masaza Cup helped me overcome that fear,” He adds.
That confidence has followed him throughout a career that has taken him across Europe and Asia. After Standard Liege, Miya featured for Royal Excel Mouscron in Belgium, Sabail FK in Azerbaijan, FC Lviv in Ukraine, Konyaspor and Caykur Rizespor in Turkey, and now Ilioupoli FC in Greece.
Miya credits Airtel for creating platforms that transformed his career, from Airtel Rising Stars, where he represented the Buganda Region and St Mary’s Kitende, to the Airtel Masaza Cup where he scored eight goals and helped Mawokota lift their third title.
Miya believes the tournament remains one of Uganda’s most important talent development pathways, and he wants to see it receive even greater exposure through broadcasts.
“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, even more young players will be inspired to dream big.”
As he prepares for AFCON 2027, following his historic return to Vipers after 10 years, Miya believes the confidence he first developed in the Airtel Masaza Cup continues to shape his performances today.
He urges young players to work hard, be disciplined and believe in themselves, which is the beginning of every successful football career.
The post How Airtel Masaza Cup built Farouk Miya’s confidence in front of crowds appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
Nigerian football has reached its “worst time” in history, according to former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, who has called for fundamental changes across the country’s football system.
- Odegbami made the remarks in an interview with BBC Sport Africa, where he highlighted concerns ranging from the national teams and domestic league to grassroots development, administration and football infrastructure.
His assessment comes as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo.
Nigerian football crisis
Odegbami believes the challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the recent struggles of the Super Eagles and reflect wider problems within the country’s football structure.
Nigeria missed out on the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the country’s women’s and age-grade national teams, as well as clubs competing in continental competitions, have also experienced setbacks in recent years.
“It has never been this bad in our entire history,” Odegbami told BBC Sport Africa.
The former striker, who was part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, also expressed concern about the financial health of the domestic game.
“Our local league is not bringing in money. Something is definitely wrong,” he said.
Nigerian football and leadership
Odegbami also questioned the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the problems cannot be addressed simply by changing individuals in positions of authority.
His comments come amid significant developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing discussions over governance and proposed reforms involving the National Sports Commission, FIFA and CAF.
The NFF election scheduled for September 27 has also been suspended as the reform process continues.
For Odegbami, the country needs a football structure capable of addressing problems across every level of the game.
“The pilots are not guiding us well,” he said.
Nigerian football needs a clear pathway
Another major concern raised by Odegbami is the lack of a consistent long-term philosophy for developing Nigerian football.
He questioned the country’s approach to coaching, talent identification and player development, while also pointing to the weakening link between grassroots football, academies, clubs and the national teams.
According to the former international, Nigeria must rebuild the pathway through which young players are identified, developed and eventually integrated into professional football.
That pathway has historically played a major role in producing players who have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigerian and international football.
Nigerian football and fading infrastructure
Odegbami also drew attention to the deterioration of football infrastructure across the country.
He referenced the National Stadium in Lagos, the former Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar as venues that once played important roles in Nigerian football.
He described the damage to the country’s football heritage as “irreparable”.
While the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has become a regular home venue for the Super Eagles, Odegbami argued that Nigeria once had a wider network of facilities that played a more significant role in the development and promotion of the game.
Nigerian football at a crossroads
The former Super Eagles captain’s comments come at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the national team beginning another AFCON qualifying campaign while discussions over reforms to the administration and development of the sport continue.
Odegbami believes the challenge extends beyond whether the Super Eagles qualify for another major tournament.
He believes Nigeria needs to rebuild the entire football ecosystem, from grassroots development and academies to professional clubs, national teams, administration and infrastructure.
The post Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.
Football
AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea
Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa were on target as Democratic Repubic of Congo made a comfortable start to the 2027 AFCON qualification journey.
The Leopards cruised to a 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea in the game played on Thursday at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
Captain Mbemba fired DR Congo into an early lead, jumping highest to node home Arthur Masuaku’s delivery from a corner kick.
The visitors looked for a response and had opportunities as the first half progressed, but DR Congo maintained their advantage into the break.
In the 72nd minute, Wan Bissaka made a dashing move inside before finding Wissa who finished from close range to double the hosts advantage.
DR Congo now lead Group E and will face Zimbabwe on Monday next week. Equatorial Guinea on the other hand will seek redemption against Sierra Leone at home.
The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
2026 CECAFA U-20 (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers)
- Gold medal match: Sudan 1 (4) – 1 (3) Tanzania
- Bronze medal match: Uganda 2-0 Burundi
Sudan are the champions of the 2026 CECAFA U-20 championship.
A tense 4-3 post match penalty victory over hosts Tanzania spurred Sudan to their first triumph in this age group competition.
Normal time of the final played at the Uhuru stadium in Dar-es-salaam had ended goal-less before the extra 30 minutes were played.
Omer Hamd headed home Sudan ahead in the 93rd minute.
Abdulnassir Abdallah equalized after 112 minutes to send the game into shoot-outs.
Sudan held their nerves to win the dramatic shoot-out 4-3 and lift the trophy with gold medals.
Tanzania, before their home fans settled for silver. Both countries will represent the CECAFA zone at next year’s AFCON U-20 finals in Ghana.
Meanwhile, Uganda Hippos finished third to take home bronze.
Uganda overcame Burundi 2-0 in the third-place play-off duel.
A goal in each half from Derrick Ssozi and super substitute Ashraf Kyakuwa spurred the Hippos who are coached by Ghanaian Laryea Kingston to the much desired victory before a handful of fans.
The Uganda delegation returns home on Friday afternoon.
Team Line Ups:
Sudan XI: Mustafa Mohamed Elgadal Fahoud (G.K), Osama Ameen Abdalla Manzal, Humaida Ahmed Suliman Gumaa, Monzeer Abdo Khmies Tiya, Mutaz Elfaki Elnour Wali, Samaan Amin Alfeil Koda, Rudwan Yahya Mohamed Ishag, Nagmeldin Abdelrahim Teya Toto, Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr (Captain), Wail Galal Omer Alnour, Obai Abdalla
Subs: Mohamed Abbas Mohamed Abdalla (G.K), Mohamed Dalmugtaba Yagoub Mahmoud Habeeb, Faiz Ahmed Elseed Elfatih, Ibrahim Samani Ibrahim Anglo, Monzer Sarer, Omer Hamd Ghanim Ahmed, Osman Abaker Ismail Alshaikh, Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri, Mohamed Del Mojtaba Musab Elbadawee
Head coach: Salaheldin Ahmed Nuoreldin Ahmed (Sudan)
Tanzania XI: Shabani Bakari (G.K), Ismail Ally, Abdallah Mnumba, Shomvi Rajabu, Arafat Masoud (Captain), Kelvin Revokatus, Ahmad Ahmad, Jofrey Malecha, Juma Sagwe, Juma Abushiri, Suleiman Suleiman
Subs: Edison Matete (G.K), Roony Gerry, Abubakar Othman, Faraji Kayanda, Bashiri Salum Kibaila, Farid Mzalendo, Machela Machela, Joseph Jr. Joseph, Abdulnasser Abdallah
Head coach: Mario Rivera Campesino (Spain)
Match officials:
- Referee: Nasser Mahamoud Houssein Mahamoud (Djibouti)
- Assistant Referee 1: Elizabeth Njoroge (Kenya)
- Assistant Referee 2: Ashraf Katerega (Uganda)
- Fourth official: Ephrame Debele Kabeta (Ethiopia)
- Commissioner: Amir Hassan (Somalia)
- General coordinator: Francois Regis Uwayezu (Rwanda)
The post Sudan beat Tanzania to lift 2026 CECAFA U-20 trophy appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
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