Motema Pembe of DRC Congo has pulled out of the annual Cecafa Kagame Cup that gets underway from today (Saturday 6 July) in Rwanda.
The DRC side has been replaced by Maniamba FC who are expected to add more spice in the tournament that has attracted 16 clubs.All the teams have arrived in Rwanda except Gor Mahia and TP Mazembe of DRC Congo , who were expected to jet in before the event’s opening ceremony.
Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye confirmed plans are complete to host a glamour event.
He said save from Motema Pembe who had some issues, all the teams have confirmed their participation, adding that demands were overwhelming for other teams inquiring if they could be included in the event.
He cited Enyimba of Nigeria, Rollers FC from Cameroon, four other clubs from Kenya and South Sudan who wanted to be considered but “unfortunately there was no space”.
“Kagame Cecafa tournament is an appetizing competition. We are giving teams a special platform to expose themselves. 16 teams have confirmed their participation except DRC Motema Pembe, who had some issues but they have been replaced by Maniamba FC,” said Musonye.
“The house is full. If a team pulls out, we have better replacement (and) I repeat better replacement.”
The fixtures and groupings remain unchanged.
He said they are contemplating to take crowd pullers Rayon Sports matches to Amahoro Stadium due to the venue’s capacity to accommodate many fans.
Musonye has thanked the tournament sponsor, President Paul Kagame, for keeping his commitment of supporting the event financially and materially.
“On behalf of Cecafa secretariat, I wish to thank our sponsor who has kept his word for the last 22 years. He has managed to keep his commitment by offering US$ 60,000 annually to sponsor the event. Very few people can do or emulate what the Rwanda President has done.”
The tournament will run through 24 July across three venues – Amahoro, Huye Stadium and Umuganda Stadium.
The opening day will see Somalia’s Heegan facing Green Buffaloes from Zambia, while three-time Cecafa champions APR will be up against Ugandan outfit, Proline, who are making their debut.
Group A and Group C matches will be hosted in Kigali, Group B at Huye Stadium, while Umuganda Stadium will accommodate Group D.
The tournament winner will pocket $30,000; first runners-up bag $20,000 while second runners-up walk away with $10,000 in cash prize.
Tanzanian side Azam FC, who have been drawn in Group along with Mukura, Bandari and KCCA (Uganda), will be challenging for a third consecutive title after claiming the last two editions
