SMACK old students 'ground' Kampala with open-top bus trophy parade

The Zimbaz, as the SMACK Class of 2006 are called, were at it last weekend and they do not want anyone to forget it any time soon, parading Season Six of the SMACK League trophy through the city like it was some European Champions League.

KAMPALA | When you win a trophy and spend two months celebrating, you can only be a Zimbaz from St Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK). When that trophy is only a school cohort thing but you make an open-top bus parade of it in the city, you can only be a Zimbaz from SMACK.

The Zimbaz, as the SMACK Class of 2006 are called, were at it last weekend and they do not want anyone to forget it any time soon, parading Season Six of the SMACK League trophy through the city like it was some European Champions Leaguetrophy.

The event, last weekend, was the conclusion of their near-two-month celebrations and ended with a victory parade that saw the Zimbaz, in branded T-shirts, making stop-overs at Kampala’s famous landmarks with their trophy.

The Zimbaz have been relishing their victory since clinching the winner’s trophy on January 28, and decided to celebrate and share their triumph with the city before the Season 7 opener.

Having been bottom of the log in Season Five of the alumni league that brings together former students of St Mary’s College Kisubi, it was in order for the Zimbaz to celebrate their victory with pomp and pageantry.

The much-anticipated trophy parade, powered by the league's beverage sponsor, Guinness, kicked off at 10am from Zimbali Bistro and Lounge on Plot 44, Lumumba Avenue.

The Zimbaz boarded their double-decker open-top bus and embarked on a scenic tour around the city, not only to celebrate their success but also to promote local tourism.

The route took them past some of Kampala's most iconic landmarks, including the Independence Monument, Nakivubo Stadium, Kabaka's Palace, Makerere University, Bulange Building Mengo, Lubaga and La Jolla Gardens Kisaasi.

For the Zimbaz, this tour held immense significance, serving as a reflection of their dedication and perseverance throughout the season.

The parade became a symbol of unity, not only among the Class of 2006 but also within the broader community of SMACK League enthusiasts.

“The streets were welcoming of our celebration and I must say, the spirit and energy on the tour was something we will always cherish," said Joseph ‘Sixtus’ Kasule Kawooya, the Chairman of the Zimbaz.

"We are thankful to Guinness and all our other partners for fuelling this dream. The trophy parade was our way of letting the community know that the SMACK League is really much more than just football but also bringing people together, networking, impacting and celebrating achievements."

The night culminated in an official victory party with bottles of Guinness mixing through the crowd at Zimbali Bistro and Lounge following a ‘2k per bottle’ happy hour offer through FlexiPay.

“We deeply value and appreciate our partnerships with the several alumni leagues in the country," Roy Tumwizere, the Guinness brand manager, said.

"The brand shares a passion for football and bringing people together with these leagues. Our partnership with the SMACK League is a very fruitful one. We congratulate the Zimbaz and can’t wait for Season 7 that kicks off in April."