Africa badminton champion Fadillah Shimika Rafi, chess ace Mark Nyola Wasswa and NEC FC forward Richard Basangwa were on Tuesday, March 3, named the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Award winners for February.
The awards, organized by Real Stars Sports Agency, continue to recognize outstanding performers across different sporting disciplines. For February, nine nominees from badminton, chess and football made the shortlist, with three emerging top in their respective categories.
Rafi claimed the badminton accolade following a stellar run that saw her win gold at the Africa Senior Badminton Championship in Botswana. She also impressed on home soil by reaching the Round of 16 at the Uganda International, further cementing her status as one of the country’s leading shuttlers.
Speaking after receiving her award at a ceremony held at Molecule in Kololo, Rafi expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“I appreciate the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards organizers for recognizing me. I am really happy about this. It has been a while since I last won it, and I am proud of my performance. I look forward to continuing to improve,” she said.
In chess, Kampala University student Mark Nyola Wasswa walked away with the top honor after winning the Uganda National Chess Championship, where he overcame some of the country’s highest-rated players. Nyola, son of football legend Godfrey Nyola, beat off competition from Olivia Asiimwe and Sana Omprakash to secure the monthly gong.
Football’s award went to NEC FC forward Richard Basangwa, who enjoyed a dream debut month at the club.
Basangwa scored four goals across the Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup, edging out Vipers SC striker Milton Karisa and UPPC Entebbe goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa for the accolade.
The colorful ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including Uganda Chess Federation president Andrew Bakiza.
He joined Real Stars Sports Agency CEO Isaac Mukasa, Fortebet representative Rasty Mbatidde Namugema, officials from the host venue Molecule, and accolade designers Judi Colour Solutions in celebrating the winners.
