Express FC Chairman Suubi Kiwanuka Confirms Participation in CECAFA Kagame Cup
By John Kusolo
Express FC, the 2021 CECAFA Kagame Cup champions, are set to defend their title in the upcoming 2024 edition of the tournament. Chairman Suubi Kiwanuka has confirmed his team's participation, emphasizing their commitment to retaining the prestigious title. This announcement comes in the wake of the CECAFA Executive Director John Auka Gecheo's confirmation of the new dates for the 2024 Kagame Cup, which will take place in Tanzania and Zanzibar from July 6th to 22nd.
Initially scheduled for July 20th to August 4th, the competition's dates were moved to accommodate the busy CAF calendar. The revised schedule ensures the tournament concludes just before the 2024/2025 CAF Club competitions kick off in August, providing a crucial pre-season opportunity for participating teams.
Kiwanuka expressed confidence in Express FC's readiness to compete at the highest level. "We are proud to defend our title and represent Uganda on this significant stage," he stated. "The Kagame Cup is an essential part of our pre-season preparations, and we are eager to measure ourselves against some of the best teams in the region."
The 2024 Kagame Cup promises to be a thrilling event, featuring top-tier clubs from across Africa. Five-time African champions TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo will be among the guest teams, alongside Malawi’s Nyasa Big Bullets and Zambia’s Red Arrows FC. These guest teams will join 13 other clubs from the CECAFA Zone, making it one of the most competitive editions of the tournament to date.
John Auka Gecheo highlighted the significance of the tournament in preparing teams for the upcoming CAF competitions. "This competition will help our teams in the Zone prepare better in the pre-season ahead of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. Having top sides from DR Congo, Malawi, and Zambia will also spice up our club competition and give our teams a real test," he remarked.
Express FC, alongside Uganda’s 17-time league champions SC Villa, will represent Uganda in the tournament. The confirmed list of teams for the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup includes:
Express FC (Uganda)
SC Villa (Uganda)
Vital ‘O (Burundi)
APR FC (Rwanda)
El Merreikh, Al Hilal, Hai El Wadi (Sudan)
Young Africans SC, Simba SC, Azam FC, Coastal Union FC (Tanzania)
Gor Mahia FC (Kenya)
JKU SC (Zanzibar)
El Merreikh FC-Bentiu (South Sudan)
Nyasa Big Bullets FC (Malawi)
TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
Red Arrows FC (Zambia)
Express FC's participation is not only about defending their title but also about showcasing the strength and skill of Ugandan football. Kiwanuka emphasized the importance of the tournament for his team’s development and preparation for the upcoming CAF competitions.
As the defending champions, all eyes will be on Express FC to see if they can replicate their 2021 success. With strong teams participating from across the region, the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup promises to deliver exciting and high-quality football, setting the stage for an intense and memorable tournament.
留言