Located on the outskirts of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Black Rhino Sports Centre is part of the Black Rhino Academy International School. This modern facility includes a full-size pitch capable of hosting national and international competitions, combining first-rate infrastructure with a scenic, high‑altitude setting .

The venue was selected as the site for the CECAFA Pre‑CHAN mini‑tournament, bringing together Tanzania, Uganda and Senegal national teams for three inter‑regional fixtures in late July 2025 . To note, it is the second time the venue hosting a CECAFA tournament after the 2020 CECAFA U-20 Championship that featured Nine teams from East and Central Africa.

CECAFA Pre‑CHAN Tournament at Karatu

Originally intended as a four‑nation event (including Kenya), the tournament shifted to a three‑nation round‑robin format after Kenya’s last‑minute withdrawal .

First match on 22 July had Tanzania win against Uganda 1‑0 and second match Uganda overcame Senegal 2‑1. In the last match Tanzania overcame Senegal 2‑1 to round off the tournament on July 27, 2025 .

CECAFA officials and team coaches emphasized the event’s value for match fitness, tactical testing and final squad assessment and reshaping ahead of CHAN 2025 .

As the CECAFA 3 Nations Pre-CHAN tournament concluded at the scenic Black Rhino Academy Stadium in Karatu, the host nation Tanzania was crowned champions in a memorable ceremony that reflected both competitive pride and local heritage.

The closing ceremony was graced by Wallace Karia, TFF President and CAF Exco Member, Auka Gecheo, CECAFA Executive Director, Hamis Mwinjuma, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports (Tanzania) and Zakayo Mjema, the chairman of the Arusha Football Association (ARFA).

Unique Souvenir Trophy Celebrates Karatu’s Spirit at CECAFA 3 Nations Tournament

One of the standout moments was the presentation of a distinctive souvenir trophy—a wooden sculpture featuring a black rhino, a buffalo, and a prominent ivory-shaped tusk. Symbolic of the region’s deep wildlife heritage and proximity to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the award was more than just a trophy—it was a piece of Karatu’s identity.

The handcrafted piece was presented to Tanzania, Senegal and Uganda Team( In absentia). The unique design underscored the blend of sports, tourism and culture, making the moment a highlight in the tournament’s closing ceremony graced by dignitaries and entertainment by Chabba and Dudukwe, the famous and great hunters from the Hadzabe tribe, Tanzania.

Tourism synergy: Karatu offered valuable tourism benefits for delegations and staff, marrying sporting needs with an immersive Tanzanian hospitality experience, unique wildlife and cultural experiences in and around Ngorongoro—adding an appealing hospitality dimension to the tournament. It was a celebration of football success and a reminder of the natural richness that surrounds Karatu—cementing the town’s place as a rising sports-tourism hub in East Africa.

The Competitions Director of the Council of East and central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), Yusuf Mossi has said Senegal will give teams in the Zone a good test in the Four Nations Pre-CHAN tournament.

Senegal, the CHAN reigning champions replaced Congo Brazzaville on Thursday for the CECAFA 4-Nations Tournament slated for July 21-27^th in Karatu Stadium in the Arusha region, Tanzania.

“It is unfortunate Congo Brazzaville withdrew because of some logistical challenges, but having Senegal come in take part will give our teams Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania a real test of a team from another Zone,” said Mossi.

Apart from Sudan who are still completing their League, all the CECAFA teams that will play in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) will play in the CECAFA 4-Nations Tournament.

“It is very good that this tournament is played because it will give coaches changes to test several players and also get teams to gain a lot of match fitness because most of the League ended several weeks ago,” explained Mossi.

The Tournament will be played on a round robin basis with each team playing three matches. Harambee Stars of Kenya will open their campaign against Uganda on July 21^st, while hosts Tanzania take on Senegal the next day.

Match Day 3 on July 24^th will see Senegal face Uganda, while Tanzania battle Kenya. The last Day on July 27^th will see Kenya play against Senegal, while Uganda face Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

Congo Brazzaville will grace the CECAFA Four Nations tournament slated for July 21-27^th at the Karatu Stadium located in the Arusha region, Tanzania

The 4-Nations tournament will attract hosts Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Congo Brazzaville as a guest side.

Auka John Gecheo, the Executive Director of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) explains that the tournament will be a warm-up ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).

“The primary objective of this competition is to offer our Zonal teams a valuable platform to prepare adequately ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August 2025,” added Gecheo.

Sudan, another CECAFA team that will feature in the CHAN tournament requested to skip the event to concentrate on the local League which kicked off recently.

The mini-tournament will see every team play three matches on a round robin format and the team with more points will emerge winners.

Harambee Stars will open their campaign against Uganda Cranes, while Tanzania face Congo Brazzaville on the same day July 21^st. Match Day 2 will see Congo Brazzaville take on Uganda, while Tanzania battle Kenya on July 24^th.

Uganda and Sudan open proceedings in the early kick-off on Thursday, July 24, before Kenya’s Harambee Stars face a fiery test against Tanzania later that afternoon.

The four teams will all field teams composed of home based players as they prepare for the CHAN tournament to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania between August 2-30^th.

Fixture

July 21

Kenya vs Uganda

Tanzania vs Congo Brazzaville

July 24

Congo Brazzaville vs Uganda

Tanzania vs Kenya

July 27

Kenya vs Congo Brazzaville

Uganda vs Tanzania