At least five nations including the Africa Cup of Nations defending champions, Zambia have applied to participate in this year’s CECAFA-Tusker Cup to be held in Kampala between November 24 and December 8.
The other four nations are Cameroon, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Cote D’Ivoire, the 2012 Afcon finalists. Cecafa General Secretary Nicholas Musonye however says, the regional body will have to meet and make a decision on whom to invite. The meeting is expected after the return leg matches of the final round of the Afcon 2013. Uganda plays Zambia in Namboole on Saturday October 13 after a slim 1-0 loss away in Ndola.
Malawi and Zimbabwe were the two guest teams last year in Dar es salaam with Zimbabwe falling to Uganda Cranes on a 1-0 result in the semi finals. Malawi was dumped at the quarter final stage. Musonye said the decision to invite guest teams would depend on the vacuum created by member countries.
Musonye appealed to all member countries to prepare their teams well and take the event seriously since this is the only zone in Africa that organizes competitions regularly. He at the same time stated clearly that they will not tolerate indiscipline and disorder from members.
“Our football cannot develop in a noisy and disorderly environment. Any element of sabotage, incitement and defiance will be dealt with appropriately. Our members have the obligation to respect the decision of CECAFA because it is their organization” said Musonye.
Musonye further reminded members to confirm their participation in writing by October 8.Those who would not have confirmed by that date will not be engaged in drawing of lots and fixtures scheduled for November 8th in Kampala.
Meanwhile the preparations for the same tournament are progressing well in Uganda. CECAFA, FUFA and EABL through Uganda Breweries are committed to deliver a successful event.
“With EABL support, we have had two successful events in Tanzania and their commitment to support CECAFA and its members is a huge investment” said Musonye in praise of the sponsors who will invest USD 450.000 in this year’s event alone.
All matches will be played at Mandela National stadium-Namboole and will be shown Live on Super sport.
