For the first time since 2002, Zanzibar will host the annual CECAFA Kagame Club Championship.
This was revealed by the Council’s General Secretary, Nicholas Musonye in a statement as regards to this year’s plan.
The long serving Musonye revealed that this year’s tournament maybe bigger than any other with over 16 teams expected to feature.
Besides, he also hinted at an increase in prize money as quoted by Soka.co.ke thanks to a huge sponsorship package.
“We are going to have a very big Kagame Cup this year in Zanzibar because we have secured very good sponsorship,” he said.
“We are also looking at increasing the number of teams to 16 but we are still looking at it and trying to figure out how they can work. But definitely, everyone should be assured of one of the best Kagame Cups ever,” he added.
Last year’s tournament was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and won by home team Azam FC after beating Kenya’s Gor Mahia 2-0 in the finals.
The last time the tournament was hosted by Zanzibar; Simba won it by beating Burundi’s Port Louis 1-0 in the finals.
At this year’s tournament, Uganda will be represented reigning league champions Vipers SC.
Meanwhile, Sudan will host the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup while Uganda will host the U-17 Championship as well as the inaugural Women’s football regional championship.
If the situation in Bujumbura is calmer by August, Burundi will host the U-20 tournament.
Five tournaments in 2016
For the first time in history, the region will hold five tournaments and Musonye says the plans for the year are complete.
“All our plans for the year are complete. We are very optimistic that the situation in Burundi will be normalized for us to host the U-20 tournament. It is definitely going to be a good year for CECAFA.”
