The CECAFA Kagame Cup 2024 kicks off today at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, marking the beginning of an exciting football tournament that will run until July 21st.
The opening match of Group A features Hay Al Wadi from Tanzania facing off against Zanzibar Premier League champions JKU SC.
Following this, Coastal Union FC from Tanzania will compete against Somalia’s Dekadaha FC in another Group A encounter.
Group C will also see action today with three-time winners SC Villa from Uganda taking on Al Merriekh Bentiu FC from South Sudan, while Rwanda’s APR FC will clash with Singida Black Stars FC from Tanzania in the day’s final match.
The tournament brings together twelve teams vying for the top prize. The coaches of these teams have expressed their excitement and expectations for the competition.
Darko Novic, the coach of APR FC, noted the importance of the tournament for assessing his team’s preparations.
Stojanovic Dusan of SC Villa highlighted the opportunity to test his players ahead of a busy season.
Chisi Mbewe of Red Arrows FC emphasized the value of team cohesion fostered by such tournaments, while Muhsin Sayed Osman Elamin of Hay Al Wadi FC looked forward to gaining much-needed match practice.
This year’s tournament also boasts a prize pool of US$60,000, with the winner set to take home US$30,000.
The regional competition, a vital part of the football calendar, helps teams prepare for upcoming CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup matches.
Notable teams with a rich history in the tournament include Simba SC and AFC Leopards, both with six titles each, and Young Africans SC and Tusker FC, each with five titles.
The top team from each of the three groups, along with the best runner-up, will advance to the semi-finals.
