The Bakiga Abamwe Students Association boys’ football club has protested the decision by the Metropolitan International University guild council sports minister after being eliminated from the group stages of the Metropolitan International University sports gala with two goalless draws.
Six teams participated in the Metropolitan International University sports group stage competitions held at Shaza ground in Kisoro Municipality. The Bakiga Abamwe Students Association, who were in Group B with the Kisoro United Students Association FC and Ankole Students Association FC, only managed 0:0 draws with both teams. Ankole Students Association FC and Kisoro United Students Association FC drew 1:1, and both teams had 2 points with 0 goals. However, based on the Federation of International Football Association’s (FIFA) rules, a draw of 1:1 is considered better than a draw of 0:0.
Similarly, Bakonzo Students Association FC, United Northern Students Association FC, and Baganda Nkobazabongo FC were in Group A.
Benedicto Nkwasibwe, the captain of Bakiga Students Association, noted that the decision was unfair and tribalistic because the Bakiga should be leading the Group B table with 2 points. Joseph Muhumuza, the captain of Ankole Students Association, and Didiye Alex of Kisoro Students urged Bakiga Students members to try again next year as the best option instead of threatening violence.
Kule Nickson, the guild sports minister for Metropolitan International University, called upon the Bakiga Students Association to start focusing on their academic performance instead of intimidating and threatening teams still participating in the tournament. He acknowledged the university administration’s support for talent development.
Therefore, Ankole Students Association, Kisoro Students Association, Baganda Nobazabongo, and Bakonzo Students Association qualified for the semifinals that will be played on Sunday, September 29, 2024, while the Bakiga and Northern were knocked out of the group stages.
