Last weekend marked the climax of 2016 Airtel Rising Stars regionals with Kitara and Western Regionals played in Mbarara.
The games that took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday saw Bukuku girls defeat Friends of Soccer Girls 1-0 and Friends of Soccer boys defeat Hillside 4-2 in the penalty shoot out in the Kitara regional finals.
In the Western Regional finals, Sentah College defeated Kisoro 4-0 while in the boys’ category Fucam defeated Kisoro young Simba 1-0.
The winners of these regions walked away with trophies, certificates, balls, kits and a cash prize of UGX 1,000,000 each. The first runners up also took home trophies, certificates, and a cash prize of UGX 500,000 each.
Airtel Uganda’s Brand and Assets Manager, Musa Muyanja who presided over the official prize giving ceremony echoed the telecommunications company goal towards tapping, developing talents from the grass-roots.
“For the last six years, Airtel Uganda through the Airtel Rising Stars U-17 boys’ and girls’ football programme has remained focused to the goal of developing talents. We are committed to carrying on this programme for years,” he said.
FUFA Executive Committee Member, Mr. Chris kalibara who was the chief guest congratulated the winning teams and thanked Airtel for the job they have done of promoting football in Uganda.
He advised the youngsters to front discipline above anything else for chances of prosperity in their respective careers.
Paul Kyonga of Bukuku was the MVP for the boys (Kitara Region) and Abdalla Salim of Kisoro Young Simba took that of the Western Region.
Margret Kunihira of Bukuku was named MVP for girls in the Kitara Region and Catherine Naggadya was named MVP from Western Region.
These were the last Airtel Rising stars Regional games and the finals are to be in Lira from 27th – 30th October 2016.
The soccer talent search program will end in a fashionable football camp for select top talents who will emerge from the respective regions and will be mentored by professional football coaches and players.
