Libya and Zimbabwe nations have been invited to take part in this year’s Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) starting from November 25th to December 9th to be hosted by Kenya.
The big announcement was made today by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and CECAFA officials where the matches will be played in Kakamega, Nakuru and Kismu with 12 natiuons set to battle out against defending champions Uganada.
FKF chairman Nick Mwendwa said Libya and Zimbabwe replaces Djibouti and Eritrea, with the two nations failing to actively involved in football activities.
“This year’s competition will have Libya and Zimbabwe as the guest teams replacing Djibouti and Eritrea who have been dormant in international assignments and requested to be excluded,” said Mwendwa.
It was the first official joint press conference between FKF president Mwendwa and Cecafa general secretary Nicholas Musonye.
“We couldn’t have it in Nairobi since Nyayo is undergoing renovation while Kasarani has been put on hold for a function. We want to use football to pacify the nation after a hot political environment. We also want to promote friendship among people of different divide within this region,” Mwendwa said.
The federation boss revealed Herbert Mwachiro would head the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC).
Musonye assured the region of safety during the event in the aftermath of the highly divisive repeat presidential elections.
“We are promising a credible tournament with beefed up security. People will be surprised at how peaceful it will be in the chosen venues. Kenya has never had a problem of security and football is a unifying movement. Expect to see both sides of the political parties mingling with ease.”
Musonye further said: “As Cecafa, we’ve engaged sponsors and broadcasters whom we shall reveal in due course. We want this year’s edition to bring back the good memories the tournament has had from the days of Gosage cup.”
Kenya last hosted the tourney in 2013, beating Sudan 2-0 in the final to lift the trophy.
Apart from Kenya, Libya and Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Zanzibar, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and Uganda are the other participating nations.