FUFA looks to host most successful CECAFA event ever

By Swalley Kenyi

2012 CECAFA Prize money
1st prize sh75m
2nd prize sh50m
3rd prize sh25m

Soccer governing body FUFA has vowed to stage the most successful CECAFA Challenge Cup in the history of the regional event.

Part of the federation’s confidence stems from the fact that this year’s edition will be hugely supported by the sh1.125bn sponsorship package from Tusker Lager.

The offer is an increase from the $425,000 (sh1.01bn) that was offered by the East Africa Breweries Limited company for the 2011 edition that was held in Tanzania.

“We have the capacity to host a safe and secure tournament. We shall organize the best tournament ever. We want the trophy to stay here,” Kyambadde said during the launch of the sponsorship at Serena Hotel yesterday.

The tournament will be played between 27 November and December 12 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

FUFA has already named a 10-man organising committee led by the chairman Moses Magogo and deputised by Patrick Ogwel. FUFA CEO Edgar Watson is the secretary.

The defending champions Uganda Cranes are record 12 time champions of the 12-member states. This year’s edition has attracted interest in participation from Cameroon, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe from which the organisers will choose one as a guest team.

Although the Cranes still have a huge hurdle in the shape of Zambia to qualify for the 2013 Nations Cup, Kyambadde said that FUFA will consider using the tournament as an opportunity to prepare for the Nations Cup in South Africa.

CECAFA secretary general Nicholas Musonye also hinted that CECAFA and Tusker have a mission of ensuring that a team represents the region in South Africa and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“When we signed a contract with EABL two years ago, our mission was to have a team in South Africa Nations Cup and 2014 Brazil. That mission is still alive. Uganda is capable of qualifying for AFCON and the World Cup in Brazil,” Musonye said.

The tournament was switched from Kenya amidst protests.

According to Musonye, the sponsorship will take care of prize money, travel for visiting teams, accommodation, feeding, internal transport for teams and officials among other logistics.

There are also negotiations with the sponsors to increase the cash prizes and reward the top scorer, best player and referee of the 2012 tournament.

The matches will be telecast live on SuperSport.