CECAFA president Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam has backed Rwanda’s bid to host the subsequent three editions of the CECAFA Kagame Cup, saying the nation’s world-class sports activities infrastructure and robust authorities help make it finest positioned to make sure the competitors’s continuity.
The regional membership competitors returns to Kigali for the primary time since 2019, with the 2026 version scheduled to run from July 24 to August 7.
Because the final match was held in Rwanda, the competitors has struggled with consistency, with the 2022 and 2023 editions cancelled because of a mixture of economic challenges and insufficient internet hosting capability amongst member associations.
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Talking at a pre-tournament press convention on Wednesday, Andemariam mentioned Rwanda is presently forward of different CECAFA member nations by way of readiness to host the competitors.
“Rwanda is extra prepared than the opposite members,” Andemariam mentioned.
He praised the nation’s sports activities infrastructure, significantly the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium, in addition to its organisational requirements and continued authorities funding in sport.
These elements, he mentioned, put Rwanda in a powerful place to host future editions of the match.
In June, Rwanda FA president Fabrice Shema confirmed that the nation desires to host the CECAFA Kagame Cup for the subsequent three years, a proposal Andemariam mentioned the CECAFA govt committee will contemplate.
“There must be a proper request from every of our members, and the choice on who will host the match subsequent is made by the Government Committee. The committee assesses how prepared every member is, and proper now, Rwanda is extra prepared than the opposite members,” he mentioned.
Andemariam defined that whereas a number of member associations have expressed curiosity in internet hosting the match, many nonetheless lack the infrastructure, high quality stadiums, lodging services and monetary capability required to organise a profitable competitors.
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The CECAFA Kagame Cup has been sponsored by President Paul Kagame since 2002, when the match was renamed from the CECAFA Membership Championship. In line with Andemariam, continued authorities backing has performed a key position in sustaining the competitors over time.
Rwanda FA second vp Richard Mugisha mentioned the nation’s instant focus is on delivering a profitable 2026 match earlier than turning its consideration to a bid to host the subsequent three editions.
“The willingness is there from the federation to the federal government, however allow us to first ship this version efficiently. The remainder will observe,” Mugisha mentioned.
Wanting forward, Andemariam additionally hinted at a major improve within the match’s prize cash in future editions.
This 12 months’s prize cash stays unchanged, with the winners receiving $30,000, the runners-up $20,000 and the third-placed workforce $10,000. Nevertheless, Andemariam mentioned new sponsorship alternatives might pave the way in which for elevated rewards.
Whereas Al Hilal SC sponsored the match $100,000 for the 2026 version, he mentioned that a number of potential sponsors have expressed curiosity in partnering with CECAFA, elevating hopes of a stronger and extra financially sustainable competitors within the years forward.
