Sports 7 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ankole Cup aims to nurture talent, boost grassroots football
The fifth edition of the Ankole Cup is set to kick off on June 6th, featuring new regulations aimed at strengthening local player development and fostering a deeper connection between teams and their districts. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/ankole-cup-seeks-to-extend-grassroots-football-support-5450498
The upcoming fifth edition of the Ankole Cup is poised to significantly enhance grassroots football in the region with several key changes. Organizers recently launched the tournament, emphasizing its role in discovering and developing future football stars, a tradition predating national efforts towards professionalization.
This year, each participating district must register 25 players, with a strict requirement that at least 20 be born within that district and their eligibility verified through the national identification system. This measure aims to ensure local talent is prioritized and cultivated.
Mwine Mpaka, Mbarara City South MP and owner of Mbarara City FC, highlighted the tournament’s past success in identifying players like Hillary Mukundane and Jude Ssemugabi, expressing his belief that the Ankole Cup can shift the perception of football development. MPs like Francis Mwijukye of Buhweju County also voiced their commitment to seeing their respective teams perform well.
The tournament is scheduled to commence on June 6 at Bushenyi Main Stadium, with hosts Bushenyi taking on Sheema in the opening match. An inaugural Ankole Cup dinner is also planned for May 19 in Kampala.
Financial backing is already in place, with Wandaz Cosmetics pledging Shs100 million towards prize money. The tournament, under the patronage of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, has also released its group stage draw.
Group A: Bushenyi, Sheema, Ntungamo Group B: Kazo, Ibanda, Kiruhura Group C: Isingiro, Rwampara, Mbarara, Kashari Group D: Buhweju, Rubirizi, Mitooma