Mawokota appoint Richard Malinga as head coach ahead of 2026 Masaza Cup
Mawokota names Richard Malinga to lead its title defence with a new technical team and management committee as the county ramps up preparations for the 2026 Buganda Masaza Cup.
Mawokota has officially appointed Richard Malinga as head coach less than two weeks before the 2026 Buganda Masaza Cup, signalling a renewed push to reclaim the trophy and chase a record fourth county title. The unveiling at Mawokota Ssaza Grounds in Buwama introduced Malinga alongside his technical staff and a revamped football management committee. County leaders said the move is designed to tighten preparations, improve discipline and mobilise financial and moral support ahead of the tournament.
Mawokota names Richard Malinga as head coach
Malinga’s appointment is the headline decision as Mawokota seeks to convert near misses into a championship return at the Masaza Cup. The coach will inherit a county with three previous titles and high expectations from supporters and officials alike.
Introduced publicly with assistants Richard Kosole and Hakim Senkumba and goalkeeping coach Zagga Tumusiime, Malinga will have responsibility for finalising the playing staff and overseeing tactical preparations. Officials emphasised that the technical team has been assembled to provide complementary strengths in coaching, fitness and goalkeeping ahead of the June fixtures.
Technical team and management committee unveiled in Buwama
The unveiling ceremony doubled as a formal launch for a newly constituted football management committee that will steer the county’s campaign. Ronald Kavuna was named chairman of the committee while Johnbosco Lubyaayi will serve as team manager, roles officials described as central to logistics and fundraising.
County leadership framed the management changes as a deliberate effort to professionalise preparation and streamline decision-making. Delegates at the event stressed the committee’s remit includes player welfare, matchday organisation and outreach to potential sponsors and donors.
Squad selection nearing completion with imminent announcement
Mawokota has not yet released its final playing squad, but Malinga said the selection process is in its final stages and a roster will be revealed within three days. The coaching staff is conducting assessments to balance experience with the young talent that the Masaza Cup traditionally surfaces.
Officials indicated the selection will prioritise tactical fit, discipline and match readiness ahead of the county’s opening fixture. Malinga emphasised that assessment metrics go beyond technical ability to include attitude and conduct, reflecting the county’s broader call for discipline among players and officials.
Fundraising drive highlights sponsor gap and community appeal
The launch also served as a fundraising event after organisers acknowledged Mawokota lacks a major sponsor heading into the competition. Supporters and well-wishers pledged cash contributions on the day, including a Shs2 million donation from a prominent supporter and additional pledges amounting to Shs16 million.
County Chief Hajj Hassan Kasujja publicly urged the community to back the team both financially and by filling stadiums for home matches. He framed the appeal as essential to competitive success, noting that local backing will underpin logistics, training camps and matchday operations.
Discipline and conduct emphasised as key to campaign
Kasujja and the technical team repeatedly underscored the importance of discipline before, during and after matches, linking conduct to the county’s championship ambitions. The emphasis aims to curb incidents that can distract from performance and to promote a professional environment for players and fans.
Malinga reinforced the discipline message in his remarks, saying that consistent behaviour on and off the pitch will form part of the selection calculus. Supporters were asked to respect match officials and visiting teams, a stance the committee said will help maintain Mawokota’s reputation across the Buganda Kingdom.
Fixture details and group context for Mawokota
The 2026 Buganda Masaza Cup will kick off on June 13, with defending champions Buweekula set to meet Kyadondo in the opening match at Mubende National Teachers College Playground. Mawokota’s campaign begins on June 21, when they host Kyaggwe at Buwama in the Masengere Group.
Mawokota’s group draw places them alongside Gomba, Kyaggwe, Ssese, Bulemeezi and Busiro, a pool that tournament organisers describe as competitive and capable of producing upsets. The competition will be opened officially by the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, underscoring the Masaza Cup’s cultural importance across the kingdom.
Mawokota’s three previous Masaza Cup titles make them one of the tournament’s most successful sides, and officials say Malinga’s brief is to restore consistent winning performance. The new coach faces the twin tasks of finalising a cohesive squad and building the match-readiness required to navigate a difficult group stage.
Mawokota will now focus on final assessments, match preparation and securing additional financial support as the June fixtures approach. The county’s leadership and technical staff have signalled urgency and a united front in pursuit of a fourth title.
