By Karim Ssozi
Peaky Blinders Class of 2014 were crowned season five champions at the long-awaited Budo League finale at Legends Rugby Grounds, Lugogo in Kampala on Sunday, July 17.
The day was not short of razzmatazz and it was a sight to behold as the winners’ trophies were delivered by helicopter.
Peaky Blinders were crowned amid a fireworks display after beating Abacuba 1-0 in the main cup final.
The victory means that the Peaky Blinders, who beat BIFA 9-8 on penalties in the semis, retain the title, having won the previous edition.
Each team was rewarded with a crate of Guinness courtesy of the main League sponsor, Guinness Uganda.
Immediately after the prize giving ceremony, Bebe Cool got on stage, dressed in a white half-buttoned shirt, black jeans and shiny sneakers, kicking off his performance with his hit song, Katono.
The star performed hit after hit, taking revellers down memory lane with Fire Anthem, a collaboration he did in the early 2000s with Kenyan duo Wyre and Nazizi, before delving into Kasepiki, Nkuliyo and Easy.
He later invited a lady to a dance on the stage, which got ladies screaming their lungs out as the men smiled in disbelief.
Bebe entertained his fans as usual.
However, it was his Love You Every Day that got the crowd singing along word for word and cheering as he danced with a beautiful lady on stage.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the captain of the Peaky Blinders, Jonathan Sentamu, said it was an honour to lead a side that has reached three finals in a row and has lifted the championship trophy for a second straight season.
He also recognised his teams’ collective efforts, especially in the final bend of the season.
“There has been massive effort from each and every one on the team. The boys really worked hard, and it paid off. In the regular season we faced some challenges, but the winning mentality was back during the finale, and it was a massive thing for us,” Sentamu added.
Meanwhile, in the George Semivule Cup (second-tier event), Dujay FC Class of 2017 emerged 2-1 winners over team Massape, Class of 2014.
Speaking at the event, Guinness Uganda brand manager Elizabeth Mutamuliza explained that Budonians’ dedication to the league is the driving factor that has enabled the brand’s partnership with the league.
“It goes without saying that Budonians are very committed and dedicated to this league and for me that is our biggest drive as a brand to make collaborations and partnerships with people that want more and are dedicated to obtaining it,” Mutamuliza said.
The Guinness-sponsored event has grown throughout the seasons, becoming one of the go-to hangout events for Kampala’s corporates and party animals fortnightly.
