The Confederation of Central and East African Football Association (Cecafa) has started laying foundation for the inaugural women’s Challenge Cup. The inaugural Cecafa women’s challenge cup will be held in Zanzibar in October, but the dates are yet to be confirmed. The Cecafa Secretary General, Nicholas Musonye was quoted recently by the Tanzania Daily Times saying that the regional body is planning to host a successful championship. Musonye said that the climax of the U-17 championships which were held in Burundi has given way to the inaugural women’s Challenge Cup. After the inaugural championship, there are plans to incorporate women football in the Cecafa programs beginning from next year. Cecafa is keen on making a deliberate policy which will include women football in the association’s calendar owing to the immense talent noticeable in the region. “There are good women players in the region that can play at the highest level including the world cup and Olympics. This inaugural championship will give them the opportunity to showcase their skills,” Musonye was quoted. The official hinted that Cecafa is liaising with a non-governmental organization which has expressed a desire to support the event. Should the deal go through, it will be yet another boost for Cecafa after Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete pledged to sponsor the under-17 Youth challenge cup which was inaugurated recently in Burundi. President Kikwete is the fourth individual to sponsor a Cecafa tournament after Ethiopian-Saudi tycoon Sheikh Al Amoudi, Zanzibar President Amani Karume and Rwandan President Paul Kagame who are the facilitators of the Senior Challenge Cup and the Club Championships respectively. Eight countries including Rwanda have so far confirmed their participation and Cecafa expects a lot of support for this tournament. Others include; Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Zanzibar, Sudan and Ethiopia.Ends
