PREVIEW: Kenya Police FC aim for strong start in their CECAFA Kagame Cup debut
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 02.09.25. | 09:53
The opening fixture will be followed by the second Group A game between hosts Singida Black Stars and Ethiopia Coffee at 4 PM
Reigning FKF Premier League champions Kenya Police FC will kick off their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaign against Djibouti’s Garde Cotes FC at 1 PM at the Major General Isamuhyo Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Drawn in Group A, Kenya Police will face Garde Cotes, Ethiopia Coffee, and hosts Singida Black Stars in the group stage of the competition.
The match marks the beginning of the tournament for the Kenyan league winners, who will be making their debut after defying the odds to claim their first FKF Premier League title last season.
The tournament presents an opportunity for head coach Etienne Ndayiragije to assess his restructured squad. The team has seen several key players depart since their league triumph, including Rashid Toha, David Irashura, Alfred Leku, Jesse Were, Duncan Otieno, Kenneth Muguna, Francis Kahata, and Tyson Otieno.
In response, Police FC have strengthened their squad with over 10 new signings, including Simeon Nyamwaya from Bidco, Edward Omondi from Sofapaka, Steve Okola, formerly of Mathare United, Albert Oduor from Police Youth FC, and several foreign recruits.
The CECAFA Club Championship recently received a major financial boost, securing a Ksh42 million sponsorship deal with a local company.
CECAFA Vice-President Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam described the partnership as a “turning point for the tournament,” adding, “This partnership reflects the power of collaboration between football and the private sector and demonstrates the confidence that partners have in the value and potential of CECAFA competitions.”
Kenya Police will also use the tournament as preparation for the upcoming CAF Champions League later this month.
CECAFA General Secretary Auka Gecheo emphasised the tournament’s importance, noting, “This competition will help our teams in the region prepare ahead of the 2025/26 CAF competitions, which kick off next month.”
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The opening fixture will be followed by the second Group A game between hosts Singida Black Stars and Ethiopia Coffee at 4 PM.
CECAFA Kagame Cup 2025 – groups
Group A: Singida Black Stars FC, Garde Cotes FC, Ethiopian Coffee SC, Kenya Police FC
Group B: APR FC, NEC FC, Bumamuru FC, Mlandege FC
Group C: Al Hilal, Kator FC, Mogadishu City Club, Alahly SC Wad Madani
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