CECAFA president Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam has backed Rwanda’s bid to host the following three editions of the CECAFA Kagame Cup, saying the nation’s world-class sports activities infrastructure and powerful authorities assist make it greatest positioned to make sure the competitors’s continuity.
The regional membership competitors returns to Kigali for the primary time since 2019, with the 2026 version scheduled to run from July 24 to August 7.
Because the final event was held in Rwanda, the competitors has struggled with consistency, with the 2022 and 2023 editions cancelled as a result of a mixture of economic challenges and insufficient internet hosting capability amongst member associations.
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Talking at a pre-tournament press convention on Wednesday, Andemariam mentioned Rwanda is at present forward of different CECAFA member nations by way of readiness to host the competitors.
“Rwanda is extra prepared than the opposite members,” Andemariam mentioned.
He praised the nation’s sports activities infrastructure, notably the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium, in addition to its organisational requirements and continued authorities funding in sport.
These elements, he mentioned, put Rwanda in a robust place to host future editions of the event.
In June, Rwanda FA president Fabrice Shema confirmed that the nation needs to host the CECAFA Kagame Cup for the following three years, a proposal Andemariam mentioned the CECAFA govt committee will contemplate.
“There must be a proper request from every of our members, and the choice on who will host the event subsequent is made by the Govt Committee. The committee assesses how prepared every member is, and proper now, Rwanda is extra prepared than the opposite members,” he mentioned.
Andemariam defined that whereas a number of member associations have expressed curiosity in internet hosting the event, many nonetheless lack the infrastructure, high quality stadiums, lodging services and monetary capability required to organise a profitable competitors.
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The CECAFA Kagame Cup has been sponsored by President Paul Kagame since 2002, when the event was renamed from the CECAFA Membership Championship. In accordance with Andemariam, continued authorities backing has performed a key position in sustaining the competitors over time.
Rwanda FA second vice chairman Richard Mugisha mentioned the nation’s speedy focus is on delivering a profitable 2026 event earlier than turning its consideration to a bid to host the following three editions.
“The willingness is there from the federation to the federal government, however allow us to first ship this version efficiently. The remainder will comply with,” Mugisha mentioned.
Trying forward, Andemariam additionally hinted at a big enhance within the event’s prize cash in future editions.
This yr’s prize cash stays unchanged, with the winners receiving $30,000, the runners-up $20,000 and the third-placed crew $10,000. Nevertheless, Andemariam mentioned new sponsorship alternatives may pave the way in which for elevated rewards.
Whereas Al Hilal SC sponsored the event $100,000 for the 2026 version, he mentioned that a number of potential sponsors have expressed curiosity in partnering with CECAFA, elevating hopes of a stronger and extra financially sustainable competitors within the years forward.
