NEWS
Africa has Football talent, says Rwanda President Paul Kagame
The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame has made it clear that there is a lot of football talent in the African continent.
“Africa has talent. There’s no doubt about it but our best players should not need to always move abroad to unleash their full potential,” said Kagame after receiving the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2022 in a function that took place at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.
Kagame together with His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco where recognized by CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe in their effort and contribution towards developing the game on the continent.
Dr. Motsepe who was accompanied by the FIFA President Gianni Infantino conferred the Awards to Kagame and the representative of King Mohammed VI and Minister of Education, Preschool and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa. The event was also attended by some Member Association Presidents and legends.
In his acceptance speak, the Rwanda President who has supported Football in the continent and has also financially supported the regional CECAFA Club Championship for over 10 years said he was happy to receive the Award with both hands.
He pointed out that throughout their struggles in Rwanda’s history, football has played a key role in uniting people. But he made it clear that a lot of effort is needed so that the best football talent in Africa does not go abroad. Kagame commended the work being done by CAF president Motsepe and FIFA head Infantino to develop the sport on the continent.
On behalf of the King of Morocco, Benmoussa thanked the CAF President for the Award and also announced that the Kingdom of Morocco has decided, together with Spain and Portugal to present a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
Dr. Motsepe said it was a special day for African football where two individuals who have contributed greatly to the development of football as a sport, were recognized.
“This ceremony today is in acknowledgment of the significant manner in which they have contributed to the development of African football,” he said, pointing out that in order for African football to progress further, partnership is needed among the 54 African nations.
Rwanda will also host the 73rd FIFA Congress at the BK Arena in Kigali 16th, March 2023.
Several teams have arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania ahead of the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship.
The teams from Somalia, South Sudan and Uganda have already jetted in ahead of the season opening CECAFA 2026 tournament.
Yusuf Mossi, the CECAFA Manager of Competitions told Cecafaonline today that they are happy all the team will be in Dar es Salaam before the tournament kicks off on June 13th.
“We expect this tournament to help players in the Zone get good International exposure, but it will also help the Kenya team prepare better ahead of their last qualifying match in the FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers,” added Mossi.
He also made it clear that CECAFA has selected all female referees to handle the tournament.
Kenya will face Sudan in the opening match of Group A on June 13th, the same day hosts Tanzania will battle Somalia at the KMC Stadium.
Two Group B matches between South Sudan and Zanzibar, and Uganda against Djibouti will take place on June 14th at the Azam Complex.
The competition which will attract eight teams including debutants Somalia and Sudan will climax on June 23rd.
Group A: Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan
Group B: Uganda, South Sudan, Djibouti, Zanzibar
The Harambee Stars of Kenya have settled for a 1-1 draw against Lesotho in an International friendly match played on Thursday in Pretoria, South Africa.
Frank Odhiambo gave Kenya the lead after 14 minutes at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The two teams continued to create some decent scoring opportunities, but failed to convert them.
After recess the Lesotho team re-organised themselves and leveled matters through Thabo Makhele. The match ended 1-1 and the two teams will face-off again on June 7th at the same Stadium.
Ethiopia will also be in action against Malawi on June 6th at the Addis Ababa Stadium, and the second match to be played after three days.
The other teams from the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda had their scheduled matches in Morocco cancelled due to sanitary and public health considerations.
The teams are using the FIFA Window to play International friendly matches as they prepare ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers.
Gor Mahia FC have been crowned 2025/2026 FKF Premier League champions.
Handled by coach Charles Akonnor, the Gor Mahia side lost their last match 1-0 to Nairobi United at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
The defeat did not spoil the party as the giants lifted their 22nd League title and were crowned at the same Stadium. “We are vey happy that after a tough season we emerged champions. I thank the team and management for the efforts,” added coach Akonnor.
Gor Mahia FC completed the League with 69 points from 34 matches played, while second placed AFC Leopards collected 64 points, and Kenya Police FC in third place with 55 points.
K’Ogalo will receive KSh15 million (approximately $116,000) in prize money and return to the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League next season.
The Sudan Football Association (SFA) has organized two Football development workshops in the capital Khartoum.
The development comes after over two years of non activity because of the civil war that started in 2023.
Besides the referees and assessors workshop taking place, the Elite League is also on-going.
Ali Ahmed, the Head of Referees at the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) is conducting the two week workshop for referees and assessors at the Sudan Football Association (SFA) Technical Centre.
“We are very happy to have these workshops back in Sudan because Football contributes a big role in peace and integration here. CECAFA is also proud to support Sudan in Football development,” added Ahmed.
Osama Atta Elmanan Hassan, the SFA Vice President says they are glad to have Football back to Khartoum and also organize Football development workshops.
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