NEWS
Coaches applaud CAF for introducing Women’s Champions League
The CECAFA zonal qualifier for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League enters the semi final stage today in Nairobi, Kenya.
Coaches of the eight teams that qualified to represent their respective countries have come out to praise the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) under President Patrice Motsepe for introducing this tournament, and CECAFA for organizing the qualifier.
Fred Musiime, the Lady Doves coach says he is very happy that finally CAF has though of having this tournament. “This is a very good platform for the teams in Africa to keep improving by playing in such a tournament,” says Musiime.
The PVP FC (Burundi) coach Jumaine Niyonkuru says having this competition is going to bring more competition in most of the Women Leagues in Africa. “This is a very good step by CAF to introduce this tournament because it will be another place where scouts can also scout out players,” added Niyonkuru.
Although his team did not manage to pick a single win in the tournament, coach of Djibouti’s FAD FC, Darar Abdillahi Darar thinks with many more tournaments for women footballers in Africa like the Champions League, the standards of women football will keep improving. “Players will always get better if they have more exposure and I think it was great idea for CAF to introduce this tournament,” says Darar.
Vihiga Queens FC coach Charles Okere Okoth also made it clear that this tournament was long overdue. “Women football has been lacking a platform like this for the teams in the continent to compete just like the men. I thank CAF for finally making this happen,” added Okoth.
For Heye Birhanu Gizaw whose Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC are the only team that has kept a 100% winning record in the group stage, he has thanked CECAFA and Kenya in particular for oragnising this tournament, but also praised CAF for finally introducing this event. “With this Champions League now in place, we shall now see many teams getting more competitive because they will be playing for silverware at continental level and this gives another platform,” he added.
The other three coaches of Simba Queens FC (Tanzania), Yei Joints Stars (South Sudan) and New Generations FC (Zanzibar) also made it clear that having this Women’s Champions League tournament is very good news and CAF must be applauded.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu are the undisputed giants of South Sudan Football in the 2026 season.
A week a goal El Merriekh SC Bentiu emerged champions of the South Sudan Premier League, and today they defeated Al Ghazala 2-1 to lift the South Sudan Cup.
Saleh Ishimwe scored after 32 minutes to give El Merriekh SC Bentiu a 1-0 first half lead at the Juba National Stadium.
After recess Gaetan Masha got his name on the score sheet to make it 2-0 for El merriekh SC Bentiu after 50 minutes. Ayub Khoak pulled a goal back for the Al Ghazala SC team.
Coach Ibrahim Hussein thanked his team for the hard work through out the season. “It has been hard work which has seen the team perform well in the 2026 season,” said the head coach.
The El Merriekh SC Bentiu team received medals and the trophy in a ceremony graced by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Atong Kuol Manyang.
Michael Amin Francis, President of the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF) and El Merriekh SC Bentiu Chairman Malual Tap Diu also attended the awarding ceremony.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu will now select to either feature in the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2026/2027 season.
Simba SC have defeated arch-rivals Young Africans SC 1-0 in the final of the Muungano Cup 2026.
Cheered on by President of Tanzania, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the two sides came all out at the New Amaan Complex on Wednesday night.
The 90 minutes action packed final did not witness goals. It was in the added 30 minutes when Zambian International Clatous Chama was brought down and Simba SC was awarded a penalty.
Selemani Mwalimu made no mistake from the spot sending Young Africans SC goalkeeper Djigui Diarra the wrong side.
It was all celebration after the final whistle. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar awarded the Cup to the champions who also bagged a cash prize of 150,000,000 Tanzania shilling.
To reach the final Simba SC ejected Mlandege FC 3-0, while the 2025 winners Young Africans SC defeated Azam FC 2-1.
The Muungano Cup was played between teams from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Union.
The Rwanda Premier League has unveiled Bank of Kigali as the new official sponsors of the Premier League which is now rebranded BK Pro League.
During the unveiling at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday, it was announced that Bank of Kigali will sink 3.25 billion Rwanda Francs (US$2.2 million) in the Rwanda Premier League covering five years.
The partnership with the contract which runs from the current 2025/2026 season until the end of the 2030/2031 season is aimed at enhancing the financial stability of local clubs and transform the professionalization of the sport.
Dr. Diane Karusisi, the CEO of Bank of Kigali made it clear that they are very happy to invest in the future of Rwandan Football by associating with the Rwanda Premier League.
“We are not just putting our name on a League. We are investing in the future of the Rwandan football ecosystem, and through it, in the future of Rwanda,” added Karusisi.
She made it clear that as a bank for Rwandans, they are committed to supporting Rwandans in every journey, including sport. “By extending this commitment to football, we aim to promote financial empowerment and create opportunities for players, clubs, and communities alike,” said Karusisi.
The Chairman of Rwanda Premier League, Yussufu Mudaheranwa said: “This partnership marks an important milestone for the Rwanda Premier League. We have been building towards a stronger, more competitive league, and this collaboration with Bank of Kigali allows us to accelerate that progress, supporting our clubs, strengthening the league’s foundations, and creating a better environment for players and fans alike,” he added.
“Strategic partnerships such as this are key to advancing football development in Rwanda. We welcome Bank of Kigali’s commitment and believe this collaboration will contribute positively to the growth of the game at all levels,” said Fabrice Shema Ngoga, President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA).
Rwanda Premier League attracts 18 clubs and army side APR FC have lifted more titles than any other team.
The Muungano Cup 2026 enters the semi-final stage in Zanzibar on Saturday.
Young Africans SC, the 2025 Cup winners kick started their title defence with a 4-0 win against Mwembe Makumbi City, while Azam FC whom they face in the semi-final stage on Saturday defeated KVZ FC 2-0.
On Thursday night Zanzibar Premier League side saw off 2025 CECAFA Kagame Cup winners Singida Black Stars FC, while Simba FC ejected home side Mafunzo FC.
Omariy Samatta and Mussa Mbappe netted the goals for Mlandege FC, while Daudi Mishamo scored for the Tanzania Premier League side Singida Black Stars FC.
Selemani Mwalimu also netted the only goal to see Simba SC advance to the semi-final stage where they face Mlandege FC on Sunday.
The tournament which will brings together teams from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar is played to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Union.
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