Farouk Miya believes the Airtel-sponsored Masaza Cup played a defining role in preparing him for the demands of elite football as he begins a new chapter back in the Uganda Premier League with Vipers.
The Uganda Cranes forward recently returned to the Venoms after a decade-long spell abroad. He says the experience of playing before thousands of passionate supporters in the Buganda Kingdom tournament gave him the confidence to handle pressure at the highest level.
Miya returns to Vipers as one of Uganda’s most accomplished modern footballers, having played in Belgium, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Ukraine and Greece while becoming the country’s third all-time leading scorer with 24 goals, behind only Majid Musisi (35) and Emma Okwi (28).
However, before the European contracts, international assignments and the famous strike against Comoros that ended Uganda’s 39-year wait for Africa Cup of Nations qualification in 2017, Miya was a young player learning how to perform when expectations were high.
That foundation, he says, was built in the Masaza Cup.
The tournament has grown into one of Uganda’s biggest grassroots football competitions, bringing together the kingdom’s counties and giving young players a platform to showcase their ability before passionate supporters.
Journey to Kitende
Born in Kampala to Aisha Mutesi, a matron at Kyambogo University and the late Yusuf Muhammad, Miya’s football journey started through an unlikely connection.
Dr Eddie Butindo, a Kyambogo University lecturer and family friend, first noticed his talent.
While coaching the university women’s football team, Butindo invited the young Miya to train with the players. His ability quickly became obvious.
Butindo later introduced him to the Kampala Kids League while he was still a pupil at Gombe Primary School, before helping him join Gombe SS.
When opportunities at Gombe SS did not work out, Butindo moved him to Bulo Parents in Butambala. It was there that Miya produced an impressive performance against St Mary’s Kitende during the Buganda Schools Championship.
The display earned him a place at Kitende while in Senior Three, where he joined a school side filled with established players. Among them was captain Eddie Mubiru, but Miya’s versatility helped him force his way into the team.
While Kitende became a platform for his development, it was coach Edward Golola who introduced him to the Airtel Masaza Cup.
Mawokota breakthrough
Golola, who had been appointed head coach of Mawokota, invited Miya to join the county team in the 2013 tournament.
Initially reluctant because of his academic commitments, Miya accepted after persuasion from Golola and because Kitende director Dr Lawrence Mulindwa had strong ties with the county team.
He would leave school two days before matches, join training sessions, play and return immediately afterwards. Miya quickly became one of Mawokota’s most influential players.
The campaign reached its climax against Ssingo in the final at Nakivubo Stadium.
With the stadium packed and the attention of Buganda football supporters focused on the two counties, Miya delivered the decisive moment.
His late free kick gave Mawokota a 1-0 win and secured a memorable title in front of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda 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,’ he says.
Miya finished the tournament with eight goals.