KCCA begin preparations for CECAFA Kagame Cup

KCCA FC kicked off their preparations for the forthcoming CECAFA Kagame Cup that will be held from July 6-21 in Rwanda.

Mike Mutebi's side started preparations with light training sessions at Lugogo as well as gym sessions.

Apart from Timothy Awany, Patrick Kaddu and Allan Kyambadde who are currently with the Uganda Cranes squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, the rest of other players are available for the two-week competition.

KCCA who were the first Ugandan club to win the competition in 1978, last took part in the competition in 2015 will use this edition as prep for the CAF Champions League preliminaries qualifiers that start in August.

The tournament that is largely played by the reigning league champions of the CECAFA members countries.

Tanzanian giants Simba FC and Yanga FC have however pulled out from the competition but the organisers are confident that the competition will go ahead despite their exit.

Zesco United of Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo duo AS Vita and Motema Pembe have already confirmed participation.

Hosts Rwanda will be represented by Rayon Sports, APR and Mukura, while Gor Mahia and Bandari are expected to represent Kenya.

The winner of the annual tournament stands to win $30,000 (sh112m) in prize money while runners up will receive $20,000 (sh74.9m) and $10,000 (sh37m) respectively.  

Azam FC is the defending champion having defeated Simba 2-1 last year's final.

The CECAFA Cup is the oldest club competition on the continent, bringing together teams from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.