Bebe Cool to Oversee Draw for 51st Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 64

By John Kusolo

Renowned Ugandan musician Moses Ssali, famously known as Bebe Cool, is set to oversee the draw for the 51st Stanbic Uganda Cup Round of 64 on Monday, January 6, 2025. The much-anticipated event will be held at Turaco Hall, Serena Hotel, starting at 11:00 AM.

Bebe Cool, celebrated for his iconic contributions to reggae and ragga music since launching his career in 1997 in Nairobi, Kenya, is also a well-known advocate for Ugandan football. His involvement in the Stanbic Uganda Cup, one of the country’s most prestigious football tournaments, signifies a vibrant fusion of music and sports that continues to inspire and unite Ugandans.

Bebe Cool’s deep connection to football stems from his family’s history in the sport. His father, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, is a legendary figure in Ugandan football. As a former politician and football visionary, Bidandi Ssali led KCC (now KCCA FC) to its first-ever CECAFA Club Championship title 47 years ago. He also played a pivotal role in guiding the Uganda Cranes to the finals of the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as team manager, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of Ugandan football.

Nicknamed "Big Size" in the music industry, Bebe Cool has carried forward his father’s passion for football. Apart from being an ambassador for the Uganda Cranes, he is also a proud supporter of his son, Alfa Thierry Ssali. Alfa, a talented winger for Express FC, has also represented Uganda on the national stage as a former Uganda Hippos player, demonstrating the family's continued commitment to the sport.

The Stanbic Uganda Cup, first held in 1971, is a cornerstone of Ugandan football. The tournament, known for its ability to bring together clubs from all corners of the country, has become a platform for showcasing talent and fostering national unity.

This year, the draw for the Round of 64 will determine the matchups for teams competing to etch their names in history. The tournament, celebrated for its unpredictable nature, includes clubs from both the Uganda Premier League and lower divisions, giving underdogs a chance to shine.

Bebe Cool’s involvement in the draw highlights the growing relationship between music and sports in Uganda. As a celebrated musician and sports enthusiast, his presence is expected to add excitement and attract diverse audiences to the event.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to merge two of my passions—music and football—to inspire unity and enthusiasm among Ugandans,” Bebe Cool stated ahead of the event.

The Stanbic Uganda Cup has always been more than just a football competition; it is a celebration of the country’s talent, resilience, and community spirit. Bebe Cool’s role as the face of this year’s draw underscores the importance of leveraging influential figures to promote both sports and culture.

The draw will take place at Turaco Hall, Serena Hotel, Kampala, on January 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Organized by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), the event will be attended by key stakeholders, football enthusiasts, and media representatives.

As the countdown begins, football fans eagerly await the outcome of the draw, which will set the stage for thrilling encounters in the Round of 64. With Bebe Cool at the helm, the event promises to be a memorable celebration of sports, music, and national pride.

For Ugandans, this is yet another reminder of the unifying power of football and the enduring legacy of both music and sports in shaping the country’s identity.