Preparations for the Buganda Masaza Cup final between Kyagwe and Gomba have entered the final stages, with organisers assuring fans that Wankulukuku Stadium is ready to host Saturday’s showdown.

The final will be preceded by a third-place playoff between Butambala and Bugerere, setting up a full day of football as the four sides battle for honours in the prestigious Buganda Kingdom tournament.

Grounds staff at Wankulukuku have been working to level the playing surface, while other workers clean and prepare spectator areas ahead of the decisive matches.

Both finalists were scheduled to train at the venue to familiarise themselves with the pitch, but only Kyagwe turned up for the session. Gomba opted not to train at the stadium.

Kyagwe captain Ron Ziraba is optimistic that his side can rise to the occasion and secure its maiden Masaza Cup title.

Ziraba said the team had trained intensively under its coach and was ready to translate its preparations into a strong performance on Saturday.

The captain will be making his second appearance in a Masaza Cup final at Wankulukuku, having previously won the competition with Busiro. He hopes to draw on that experience to guide Kyagwe to its first title.

Kyagwe assistant coach William Kyeswa also expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, saying the technical staff had organised friendly matches to assess the players’ readiness.

However, Kyeswa acknowledged the challenge posed by Gomba, a five-time champion with a rich history in the competition.

The two sides drew 1-1 in both their home and away group-stage meetings, suggesting Saturday’s final could be closely contested.

Kyeswa attributed the goal Kyagwe conceded in their previous meeting to defensive mistakes but said the technical team had worked to correct the weaknesses ahead of the final.

He expressed confidence that his players would execute their game plan and compete strongly for the trophy.

Gomba team manager Resty Mbatide Namugema said the team was ready to pursue a record-extending sixth Masaza Cup title.

Namugema said the club’s experience in the competition, coupled with its preparations, had given the players confidence ahead of the final.

She explained that logistical challenges had prevented Gomba from training at Wankulukuku, saying it would have been difficult to keep the team in Kampala for three days. The players instead remained in Gomba as they prepared for the contest.

Buganda Masaza Cup Organising Committee deputy chairperson Samuel Mpiima said the committee had completed the necessary arrangements to ensure smooth proceedings on match day.

Mpiima confirmed that the VIP and VVIP sections had been prepared to accommodate the Kabaka and his invited guests.

He also outlined the security and access arrangements, directing Kyagwe and Bugerere supporters to use the entrance next to Sendi Playground and occupy their designated section. Gomba and Butambala fans will enter through the gate adjacent to Kitebi Secondary School.

With the possibility of extra time and a penalty shootout in the final, Mpiima said the stadium’s floodlights were operational and would allow play to continue into the night if necessary.

The organising committee also unveiled customised jerseys for Kyagwe and Gomba, adding to the anticipation surrounding the encounter.

For Kyagwe, Saturday offers an opportunity to make history by lifting its first Masaza Cup trophy. Gomba, meanwhile, will be seeking to reaffirm its status in the competition and add a sixth title to its collection.