Nasanga, Manirola, Rugumayo and Baliruno Named Fortebet Real Stars for September

Netballer Shadia Nasanga, boxer Farahat Manirola and golfer Ronald Rugumayo have been named the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Award winners for September, while former footballer-turned-veteran journalist Yusuf Baliruno received special recognition with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The awards were presented on Tuesday, October 6, at Molecule Restaurant in Kololo, with winners selected from netball, boxing and golf, following major sporting events held in September.

In netball, Africa Cup of Nations Netball Championship Most Valuable Player Shadia Nasanga claimed her third Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Award after overcoming stiff competition from her teammates Margaret Baagala and Christine Namulumba Kango.

Upon receiving her accolade from Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Uchanda, who attended the ceremony as a special guest, Nasanga dedicated the award to the entire netball fraternity.

“This accolade is a greatness to the entire netball fraternity, from teammates, coaches, management and the fans that travelled to Kenya to cheer us up,” Nasanga said.

Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Uchanda praised Nasanga for her contribution to the team’s success.

“Everyone in netball did a tremendous job to see the team winning, but for Shadia, it was something beyond extra. She led the team, scored goals and assisted her partner Christine Namulumba Kango upfront to see the revenge executed. We have always been number two; now we are number one,” Uchanda said.

In boxing, Farahat Manirola secured a major victory in his rematch against Georgii Chelokhsaev, defeating him by unanimous decision at the Vologda Sports Palace in Vologda City, Russia.

The determined boxer, who has been dubbed “The Nightmare”, travelled to Russia with winning the Fortebet Real Stars accolade among his targets.

“I told the organizers that I was going to Russia to win so that I would return for this stage as a winner. I am grateful to Allah that I have been able to find my way back to the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards winners. I am a real nightmare,” Manirola said.

He beat competition from Muzafaru Ssebuliba and Stanley Mugerwa to claim the accolade.

In golf, professional Ronald Rugumayo emerged ahead of fellow professionals Willy Deus Kitata and Abraham Ainamani to win the September award.

Rugumayo’s recognition followed his impressive performances at the Uganda Professional Open, the MTN Pro Tee tournament and the Pearl of Africa Sunshine Development Tour.

For the Lifetime Achievement Award, Yusuf Baliruno of Uganda, popularly known as the “Masaza Cup boy”, was honoured for his contribution to sports as both a footballer and veteran journalist.

Baliruno played as a defensive midfielder before later becoming a reliable sweeper during his footballing days in the early 2000s.

After receiving the award, Baliruno expressed his appreciation for the recognition.

“I am extremely happy that finally someone has seen my influence toward the sports industry, football in particular. I am still alive, and this award also comes as a push for me for more years. Today is me, and tomorrow will be someone else; therefore, I urge the young ones to work at whatever they do with love and full commitment,” he said.

The event was attended by several veteran journalists and sports personalities.

Honorable Kayemba Solo and Netball Uganda President Joselyne Uchanda were among those present, while Fortebet was represented by Resty Mbatidde Namugema. Laura Kahunde represented Jude Colour Solutions, while Isaac Mukasa, the CEO of Real Stars Sports Agency, led the event.