Masandawana FC have been crowned champions of the 2026 Tulia Trust Uyole Cup after beating Airport FC 3-2 on penalties in a dramatic final at Mwawiji Stadium in Uyole, Mbeya.
The two sides played out a goalless draw after 90 minutes, forcing the match to be decided through a penalty shootout, with Masandawana emerging victorious.
The triumph earned Masandawana TSh10 million and the championship trophy, while runners-up Airport FC took home TSh5 million.
The final, played on August 16, brought together football fans and local stakeholders, with the tournament also recognising outstanding performers through awards for the top scorer, best goalkeeper, best coach and best supporters' group.
Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, former Speaker of Parliament and Uyole MP Dr Tulia Ackson, who is also President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), reaffirmed Tulia Trust's commitment to supporting the competition.
Dr Ackson said the tournament's future at Mwawiji Stadium could face challenges because of planned road expansion, but pledged to work with the government to ensure the competition continues.
“Tulia Trust will continue to be the sponsor, so I want to assure you of that. However, the stadium may change next year because part of the area could be affected by road expansion. We will work with the government to ensure the league continues to be played at Mwawiji,” she said.
Dr Ackson also urged local entrepreneurs to make greater use of the economic opportunities created by the tournament, saying sporting events can provide a platform for businesses to generate income and improve household livelihoods.
Tulia Trust Sports Officer Lugano Mwangosi said the Uyole Cup has a long history, having started in 1992, while Tulia Trust took over sponsorship of the tournament in 2020.
He said the competition has continued to provide a platform for identifying and developing young football talent in the area.
Yanga Director of Competitions Ibrahim Ahmed said the club had followed the tournament closely as part of efforts to identify promising players.
He said more than six players who impressed during the competition would be invited to train with Yanga's youth teams for one month.
“Most importantly, we will give an opportunity to more than six young players who participated in the tournament from the beginning. They will train with our youth teams for one month. We previously identified one player who is here today,” Ahmed said.
Raphael Group Production Manager Maisha Ambangile, representing the company's director, said the company would continue partnering with Dr Ackson in future editions of the tournament to support the identification and development of young footballers.
The 2026 edition of the Uyole Cup has once again highlighted the role of grassroots football in nurturing talent while creating opportunities for local businesses and bringing communities together.
