As draw is pushed to next week

SERENGETI Breweries, through their Tusker brand, yesterday announced a Rwf279 million sponsorship package for this year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup slated to run from November 24 to December 10 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Addressing the press at New Africa Hotel in Dar es Salaam, the Serengeti Breweries Managing Director Richard Wells said, "We are very excited to bankroll this tournament for a second-year running.”

"One of the objectives is to develop football at both national and regional levels,” he added.

Cecafa president Leodegar Tenga also commended the Brewing Company for their unswerving support.

"We thank Serengeti for their continued support towards the development of football in the region,” Tenga, who is contesting for a third-term of office, was quoted as saying.

Similar to last year’s edition, the sponsorship gives Tusker title rights to the tournament, as well as all commercial and branding rights for the duration of the competition.

The sponsorship will cover the expenses in hosting the annual regional tournament in addition to providing prize money for the best performing teams.

$30 000 (Rwf18m) has been staked for the winner while first and second runners-up will bag $20 000 (Rwf12m) and $10 000 (Rwf6m) respectively.

Meanwhile, the draw has been pushed to next week to allow teams to register.

"We have decided to give teams more time to register. The guest sides will also be revealed next week,” Tenga added.

The tournament will be broadcasted live on Supersport.

It will also be a test for new Amavubi coach Micho Sredojevic who took over early this week.

Last year, Amavubi were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by eventual champions Tanzania.

Uganda are still the record champions with eleven titles followed by Kenya (five) and Ethiopia (four). Rwanda won the title in 1999.

Ends