THE Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (Cecafa) has named Sudan as the new hosts for this year’s Kagame Cup Club Championship. The championship will now begin June 21 with the final set for July 5.

The annual event was initially awarded to Zanzibar but internal crisis, poor resources and lack of seriousness forced Cecafa to reassess their decision.

Cecafa Secretary General Nicholas Musonye yesterday said that the Zanzibar FA had failed to meet potential requirements of hosting the championship.

"Zanzibar FA admitted that they were not in position to foot expenses for teams, referees and officials,”

"In this regard, Cecafa held a successful meeting with Sudan FA and El Merreikh Group in Khartoum on Tuesday and I’m glad to inform everyone that Sudan has agreed to host the tournament.”

El Mereikh Group are the co-sponsors of the tournament which is already guaranteed an annual $60,000 sponsorship package from President Paul Kagame.
Member countries have up to April 30 to confirm their respective participating teams.

Zanzibar has paid a heavy price for the ongoing primitive soccer politics with leadership scramble taking a centre stage and it will not be a surprise if FIFA turn down their membership bid.

Last year, APR claimed a 2-1 victory over Ethiopia’s St. George in the final to lift their third title.

Past winners (Since 2000)

2000 – Tusker FC (Kenya)
2001 – Tusker FC (Kenya)
2002 – Simba SC (Tanzania)
2003 – Villa (Uganda)
2004 – APR (Rwanda)
2004 – Villa (Uganda)
2006 – Police FC (Uganda)
2007 – APR (Rwanda)
2008 – Tusker FC (Kenya)
2009 – Atraco FC (Rwanda)
2010 – APR (Rwanda)

Ends