The Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) has made a landmark decision to ban all active Masaza Cup players from participating in University Football Championships.
This move is driven by growing concerns over the academic performance of football players who feature in both University Football games and the Masaza Cup.
A concerned sports tutor, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted the issue, stating, “These boys are always on the road to either Masaza Cup camps or university football training venues and games.
They hardly have time to sit in lecture rooms to study and write exams.
In the end, they leapfrog genuine sports students of scholarship slots.
They at times completely disappear from university teams and camps for Masaza, and universities find themselves in scarcity of players to use.”
Sports tutors have also cited indiscipline among some Masaza players, noting that they create a bad image for universities and the games.
This concern is not unfounded, given the recent controversies surrounding the Masaza Cup, including incidents of fan violence and disputes over refereeing decisions.
The ban will be implemented in phases, with each university allowed to use:
– 3 players this season
– 2 players in 2026
– 1 player in 2027
By 2028, all Masaza Cup players will be barred from participating in University Football Championships.
This decision follows a similar ban imposed on Uganda Premier League and Big League players in 2015.
The AUUS aims to ensure that university football players prioritize their academic responsibilities and maintain a high level of discipline on and off the field.
By restricting the number of Masaza Cup players, the association hopes to promote a more balanced approach to sports and academics in universities.
