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.
Kenya Premier League side Tusker FC will feature in the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026.
The 2026 FKF Cup champions have replaced El Merriekh SC after the Sudan side pulled out citing challenges following a delayed conclusion to their domestic season.
Yusuf Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Manager said having Tusker FC come to feature in the CECAFA Kagame Cup is a good development because they will represent Kenya in the 2026/2027 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
The CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 that will feature 12 teams from the Zone will take place July 24th to August 7th in Kigali, Rwanda.
CECAFA will conduct the official draw on Friday at the Amahoro National Stadium Press Conference room at 10am (Rwanda time) in Kigali.
CECAFA Head of Marketing and Communication Andrew Jackson Oryada will conduct the draw. Former Rwandan International and Legend Haruna Niyonzima will assist with the draw. CECAFA and the hosts Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) will hold a press conference at the same venue after the draw is conducted.
The 12 teams for CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026: APR FC, Rayon Sport (Rwanda), Simba SC, Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania), Vipers SC (Uganda), Al Hilal SC (Sudan), Gor Mahia FC, Tusker FC (Kenya), Mogadishu City FC (Somalia), Jamus SC ( South Sudan), FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti), KVZ FC (Zanzibar)
The final draw for the regional CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 will be held on July 10th in Kigali, Rwanda.
Twelve teams will be drawn ahead of the tournament slated for July 24th to August 7th in the Rwandan capital.
The draw will take place at the Amahoro National Stadium Press Conference room at 10am (Rwanda time). Former Rwandan International and Legend Haruna Niyonzima who also played in several editions of the CECAFA Kagame Cup will assist with the draw.
Yusuf Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Manager explained that the draw will see four teams each drawn in three groups.
“The top team in each group and the best second placed team from at of the three groups will qualify for the semi final stage,” explained Mossi.
He said the tournament will help teams in the Zone prepare better ahead of the 2026/2027 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup which kick off in September.
CECAFA has also confirmed Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania) as the 12th team in the competition. Last year Singida Black Stars FC defeated Al Hilal in the final, while APR FC finished third when the tournament was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The teams that will be drawn include; APR FC, Rayon Sport (Rwanda), Simba SC, Singida Black Stars FC (Tanzania), Vipers SC (Uganda), Al Hilal SC, El Merriekh SC (Sudan), Gor Mahia FC (Kenya), Mogadishu City FC (Somalia), Jamus SC ( South Sudan), FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti), and KVZ FC (Zanzibar)
The Serengeti Boys of Tanzania have defeated Nigeria 3-2 in their opening match of the invitational 4-Nations China International Youth Football tournament in Yinchuan, China.
Issa Chole and Hamisi Chenga gave Tanzania a 2-0 half time lead at the Yinchaun Sports Centre Helanshan Stadium on Sunday.
In the second half, the Golden Eaglets came out with renewed purpose after the interval and were rewarded with a goal. But Tanzania restored their two-goal advantage when Kassim Juma produced a superb finish to make it 3-1.
Nigeria reduced the deficit again a few minutes later. In an earlier match hosts China defeated Australia 3-0.
Action continues on July 8th with Tanzania facing China, while Australia take on Nigeria. The tournament will end on July 11th as Tanzania face Australia and China take on Nigeria.
Tanzania are using the 4-Nations Invitational tournament to prepare ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 to take place in December in Qatar.
Tanzania Premier League side, Simba SC will feature in the regional CECAFA Kagame Cup.
Rwanda will host the tournament slated for July 24th to August 8th in Kigali at the Amahoro National Stadium and the Kigali Pele Stadium.
Simba SC who have lifted the regional trophy a record six times return to the event since their last appearance in 2018 where they lost 2-1 to Azam FC.
Jean Sseninde, the Interim Executive Director confirmed that all top teams from the region will play in the tournament. “We are excited that this tournament will give the 12 teams a platform to prepare well ahead of the CAF competitions kicking off in September 2026,” added Sseninde.
She disclosed that the 12th team will be announced on July 6th, 2026. Hosts will be represented by top sides APR FC and Rayon Sports FC.
Three Member Associations Ethiopia, Eritrea and Burundi will not send teams to the CECAFA Kagame Cup. Last year Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars FC stopped Al Hilal SC in the final.
Eleven teams for CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026
APR FC, Rayon Sport (Rwanda), Simba SC (Tanzania), Vipers SC (Uganda), Al Hilal SC, El Merriekh SC (Sudan), Gor Mahia FC (Kenya), Mogadishu City FC (Somalia), Jamus SC ( South Sudan), FC Garde Républicaine (Djibouti), KVZ FC (Zanzibar)
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