By: Kayiira Jackson
The eighth edition of the Mutalaga Xmas Cup has reached the round of sixteen and the draws were held on Friday in Seguku for each team to learn opponent before the kickoff on Monday at Lweza playground.
Jesus FC who eliminated Guest House in round of 32 were drawn against Muti, the side that dumped out the defending champions,DC United via spot kicks following a one all draw in normal time.
Hared FC who will open the action of round of sixteen on Monday, were drawn against Namulanda Technical and the former’s Manager, Omulangira Minyab bin Abubakari asserted that Namulanda is a weaker draw that will be very easy for him to smash.
“It has been a good draw, as a manager of Hared, I see, I got a weaker opponent and it’s going to be easy for us, so I urge fans to come and watch the best football ever.” Minyab bin Abubakari Manager, Hared FC
Ndejje FC who beat Kajjansi Wembley on round of 32 will face Kiwoko Young Stars while Football for Life and Umar Banaj Doctor will fight for a slot in quarter final.
Manager as well as a coach for Football for Life, Katongole Hassan warned Umar Bajaj Doctor to come while ready to concede.
“The tournament is at the level where sweetness starts from, the draws was good, Football for Life opponent should start worrying, we’re the life of football and trust me, we’re going to another level.” Katongole Hassan, Coach Football for Life and Ndejje FC.
The new entrants, Kavumba Elite Club will face Kibalaza FC and their CEO, Mugisha Elijah is optimistic that they have a slot in this year’s quarter finals.
“It has been a fair draw, as Kavumba Elite, we’re playing against Kibalaza on round of sixteen, football is football, so I ask Kibalaza to come while well prepared, because we’re going to beat them and go to the quarter finals.” Mugisha Elijah, Kavumba Elite Club CEO
In other draws, Lweza FC will play against Bweya FC, Young Lions to meet Mayinja FC as Desert Wolfs battle for a slot against St Lawrence University.
According to the tournament chairperson Tony Katende, the round of sixteen will commence on Monday and he asked the teams to keep time to avoid walkovers at this level.
The tournament climax will be on 25th December 2024 at Lweza playground and the tournament sponsor, Frank Mutalaga confirmed that all the prizes for that day are already available.
Round of 16 draws:
Hared vs Namulanda (opening fixture)
Muti vs Jesus FC
Kavuma vs Kibalaza
Kiwoko vs Ndejje FC
Lweza vs Bweya FC
Football for Life vs Umar Bajaj
Young Lions Vs Mayinja FC
Desert Wolfs vs St Lawrence University
