The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam congratulated Gianni Infantino upon making 10 years as President of FIFA.

In his message Andemariam, also President of the Eritrea National Football Federation (ENFF) credited Infantino for playing a pivotal role in developing Football further since he became President 10 years ago.

“On the occasion of your 10th anniversary as President of FIFA, please accept my heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation for a decade of visionary leadership and transformative progress,” said Andemariam.

The CECAFA President said over the past ten years, Infantino’s unwavering commitment to global football development has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. “Under your stewardship, FIFA has expanded its reach, modernized its governance, and championed initiatives that have empowered football communities across all continents-from growing the Women’s World Cup to advancing youth development and infrastructure in emerging football nations,” he added.

While thanking Infantino for his passionate service to the world’s most beloved sport, Andermariam also reminded the FIFA President that his leadership has inspired a new era for football-one defined by unity, opportunity, and boundless potential.

Infantino was first elected to the FIFA presidency on February 26^th, 2016. He was re-elected on June 5^th, 2019 and again on March 16^th, 2023.

The new President of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam has officially assumed office at the CECAFA headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

He was warmly received by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President, Hussein Mohamed.

Flanked by CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde and CECAFA Vice President Ali Abdi, Andermariam outlined his bold vision for a more revitalized and impactful CECAFA.

The new President said his mission centers on strengthening institutional structures, enhancing strategic partnerships – particularly with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports – and driving sustainable growth across the region.

Having earlier in the day met Ministry of Youth and Sports CS Elijah Mwangi, he revealed established and ongoing engagements between CECAFA and the Ministry aimed at establishing a permanent CECAFA Headquarters in Nairobi. This is deemed at enhancing CECAFA stability and regional influence.

He emphasized the need for more capacitated human resources to elevate the game, especially as the region—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania – prepares to co-host Africa’s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations.

In his remarks, Hussein Mohamed welcomed the new President, pledging full support and collaboration to ensure CECAFA achieves its strategic objectives.

The event was attended by the CECAFA Vice-President and members of the CECAFA Secretariat, and former FKF Vice President Doris Petra. The new CECAFA President takes over from Alexandre Muyenge who served as the Acting President since late last year.

Sudan’s Premier League giants Al Hilal SC have been draw to face RS Berkane in the first quarter final match of the 2025/2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.

In the draw conducted by CAF on Tuesday in Cairo, Egypt, Al Hilal SC will get the advantage for coming top in the group stages by playing away from home first.

The quarter-final matches are scheduled for March 13–14 (first legs) and March 20–21 (second legs). In-case the two time finalists Al Hilal SC advance to the semi-final stage, they will face the winner between AS FAR (Morocco) and Pyramids FC (Egypt).

Laurentiu Reghecampf, the Al Hilal SC coach says they will prepare well for the quarter final stage. “We must prepare well because there is no weak team in the knock out stage,” added Reghecampf.

In the other quarter final match-ups the 12 time titles winners Al Ahly SC will face Esperance, while Mamelodi Sundowns battle Stade Malien, and AS FAR take on Pyramids FC.

Quarter-final draw

RS Berkane (Morocco) vs Al Hilal (Sudan)

Esperance ST (Tunisia) vs Al Ahly (Egypt)

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) vs Stade Malien (Mali)

AS FAR (Morocco) vs Pyramids FC (Egypt)

The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has opened the bidding process to host competitions for the 2026 season.

Seven competitions were approved during the CECAFA Elective General Assembly held in Djibouti on February 7^th, 2026.

“CECAFA is pleased to open the bidding process for the hosting of its 2026 Competitions and CAF Qualifier Tournaments,” said the CECAFA Interim Executive Director in a communication sent out on February 13^th.

She encouraged Member Associations to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their capacity, infrastructure and commitment to football development within the region.

The candidate country hosting the CECAFA U-17 Boys Championship shall also undertake to host the CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA Qualifiers.

According to the time lines the bidding process opened on February 13^th, while the submission deadline is February 27^th, 2026. The CECAFA Executive Committee will shortlist the names of the hosts on March 5^th, and announcement of the hosts will take place on March 9^th.

CECAFA 2026 competitions

1 CECAFA U-17 Girls Championship May 30 – June 14

2 CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship July 1- 5

3 CECAFA Kagame Cup July 18 – August 9

4 CAF Women’s Champions League – CECAFA Qualifiers August 22 – September 6

5 CAF African Schools Football Championship – CECAFA Qualifiers August 12-15

6 U-20 AFCON – CECAFA Qualifiers September 19 to October 10

7 U-17 AFCON – CECAFA Qualifiers October 17-31