Group A: Kenya, Libya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar

Group B: Uganda, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan

Azam Television has won the right to broadcast the upcoming CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, which slated to run from December 3-17 in Kenya.

The Tanzania-based Pay TV bought rights to broadcast CECAFA flagship tournaments for the next three years, according to CECAFA secretary general, Nicholas Musonye.

Musonye said: "CECAFA signed a three years sponsorship deal with Azam TV to broadcast all the Challenge Cup tournaments for men and women as well as the Kagame Cup, which involve regional clubs.”

Musonye added that in bid to promote youth football in the region, the station would as well broadcast the regional Under-17 tournament, which is expected to kick off next year in Burundi.

The long-serving Kenyan administrator did not give further details regarding the total package that Azam paid for the rights but it is reported that they will also pay the winner ($30,000), second-placed ($20,000) and third ($10,000).

Rwanda has been handed a daunting task against hosts Kenya in Group A, which also has Tanzania, Zanzibar and guest side Libya, who are preparing for the 2018 CHAN finals in Morocco. Amavubi will face the hosts in the opening match.

Defending champions, Uganda have been placed in Group B alongside Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia and another guest nation, Zimbabwe.

Rwanda will use the regional tournament as part of their preparations for next year’s Africa Nations Championship, which will run from January 12 through February 4.

In Morocco, Rwanda is pitted against Libya, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea in Group C.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw