All is so far set for the Watoto Wasoka Slums Derby.
The annual Slums Derby by Watoto Wasoka provides slum children in Uganda with meaningful opportunities to play, and learning.
This year’s – the 7th edition, the tourney is in Kazo at the famous Kazo play grounds from 18 to 19 May 2019.
The previous editions have previously been held in Kisenyi, Mulago, Busega, Kamwokya, Kibuli and Kyambogo.
The tourney, will for the fourth time have a girls category with over 100 girls slated to take part in the girls edition.
The tournament provides a platform where kids can get spotted for sports scholarships by primary and secondary schools teachers.
“At the tournament, we always and continue providing food and safe drinking water for two days to all the participating teams,” said Watoto Wasoka’s Executive Director Francis Mugoya.
“This is Uganda’s biggest soccer festival for slum kids, and besides the fun, hope and smiles, the tournament has profound impacts on the life of the kids.”
The tournament which started in 2013, has been the birth place of many stars like Keziron Kizito, Ashraf Mugume, Steven Sserwadda, Joshua Okiror, Moses Waiswa, Mustafa Kiiza among others.
“I got the big opportunity to play in this tournament and it became the turning point for me,” said Mugume who is at Police FC, on loan from SC Vipers.
Sparta FC won the first edition in 2013 before Super Heroes won back to back in 2014 and 2015. Uganda Martyrs, KJT and Mustada are the other winners.
ED Mugoya added:
“The tournament gives these kids many lessons to learn because football is not about competition, it also encompasses how to live with each other, fair play, team work etc
“The time they spend on pitch is 90 minutes away from drugs and crimes. To them Football is life, its what makes them, and what breaks them.”
For the record, since 2013, more than 200 kids have accessed sports bursaries and scholarships through the Slums Derby alone. All these and more represent the blind connection that binds the slums kids to the beautiful game.
The tourney will cater for kids under 13 years of age.
