Hosted by Pirates Class of 2012 and Tsunamiz Class of 2010, the event saw 22 teams go head-to-head under the theme "Sip on the Tide," delivering a perfect mix of sports and entertainment.
Kicking off the festivities, Lilian Mbabazi and her band set the mood with soulful performances of hits like "Love Letter," "Dagala," and "Kawa." Her soothing melodies gave way to the energetic dancehall vibes of Nutty Neithan, whose renditions of fan favourites like "Walk to Work" and "Bakuwe Kyonywa" had the crowd on their feet.
The evening’s climax, however, came with newbie Gloria Bugie’s electrifying performance. Clad in a bold black sheer jumpsuit, she owned the stage, belting out songs like "Masanyalaze" and "Big Size." In a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy, Bugie invited one of the SMACK old boys on stage, adding an unforgettable twist to her performance. Her dynamic stage presence left the audience cheering and wanting more.
Meanwhile, the Guinness experience added to the vibrant atmosphere, with tables adorned in iconic black and gold, thanks to bottles purchased by excited revellers. “The Smack League matchdays have become an incredible experience,” said Patience Aguti, UBL Project Manager. “We’re proud to be part of this event that lights up people's Sundays with the perfect combination of friends, football, and Guinness.”
On the pitch, the football was just as thrilling. The Vendors dominated Kiama in a convincing 4-1 victory, while Elite edged past the Zulus with a tight 1-0 win in a hard-fought derby. The Outkasts sealed a dramatic 3-1 win over the Knights, scoring in the dying minutes to secure their victory.
Pirates Chairman, Dr. Anyase Ronald Amaza, expressed his satisfaction with the day’s turnout. “We want to thank everyone for showing up in large numbers. The energy today was fantastic, and it’s exciting to see how the SMACK League continues to grow,” he said.
Away from football, the matchday also featured the Smack Esports league while the other revellers were treated to a variety of board & outdoor games from 2zanye Games.
Throughout the day, MCs Eka and Magero Moses kept the energy alive, while DJs LB, Star Boy, and Handsome ensured the beats kept rolling, creating the perfect soundtrack to an unforgettable day of football, music, and Guinness vibes.
Other matchday partners included Hotel Zawadi Ltd, Silk Events, Timeout Leisure Park, Donswift, Events Ltd, SNAP Juice.