• Only two foreign clubs to grace this year’s Kagame Cup

CECAFA has confirmed a provision of two ‘guest teams’ for this year’s Kagame Cup. The body’s boss Leodegar Tenga told Times Sport yesterday from Dar es Salaam that they don’t expect to invite more than two teams for this year’s edition scheduled to run from May 15-29 in Kigali, Rwanda.

"Usually, we make invitations depending on the availability of member clubs. We shall make a decision after consulting with the respective federations but we still don’t expect to invite more than two teams this year,” Tenga said.

Reigning African champions TP Mazembe, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Nigeria’s Heartland, Angola’s Libolo du Recreativo and Rayon Sport have all expressed interest in being part of this year’s edition.

Tenga however noted that the involvement of foreign clubs makes the competition more competitive.

Last year, Atraco romped to the title after a shocking 1-0 win over hosts El-Merreikh in the final. It was the biggest upset in the competition’s 34-year history not only because it was the taxi-men’s debut in the event but also because El-Merreikh had hammered Atraco 6-1 in the group stage.

This year, Atraco and the reigning league champions APR will represent Rwanda. Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) will represent Uganda; Simba SC will fly Tanzania’s flag while Sofapaka will represent Kenya.

For the last seven years, Rwandan president Paul Kagame has been a huge bankroller of the event.

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