Vipers SC to play CECAFA opener against Zanzibar outfit

CECAFA Kagame Cup 

Tanzania 2018

June 28th-July 13

Reigning Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC will play the CECAFA Kagame Cup opener on the 28th of this month.

The Kitende based side who are in group A will tussle it out with Zanzibar’s JKU at the Chamanzi stadium on Friday next week at 2pm.

On the same day, there will be two more encounters, one in group A and the other in group C.

The other group A fixture will see defending champions Azam FC of Tanzania lock horns with South Sudan outfit Katar FC at 4pm.

The day’s last fixture will feature another home side Singida against Rwandan giants APR at the National stadium-07:00pm.

Vipers will have a day’s rest and will return to action on Sunday against Azam FC at 07:00pm at the Chamanzi stadium.

The Venoms’ last group fixture will be played on Wednesday, 04-07-2018 against Katar FC at the same venue (Chamanzi).

The Venoms are currently training for the tournament at their home in Kitende and are optimistic they can get the job done in Tanzania.

“We know how tough it is to play sides within the CECAFA region, said striker Daniel Sserunkuma.

“They play the same football as Ugandan sides which makes them very dangerous but we know we are strong so we will be fancying our chances.

Asked about the mood in camp, Sserunkuma had this to say.

“Everyone is excited about the prospect of competing in the Kagame cup because for some of them, it will be the first time taking part in a competition outside of Uganda.

“We are trying our best to be in good shape so as we make the country proud.

Vipers are expected to depart for Tanzania early next week.

If they get past the group stage, they will feature in the quarter finals which will be played on Sunday, 08 and Monday, 09-07-2018.

The semifinals will take place on Wednesday, 11^th while the final is on Friday, 13 at the National stadium.

The tournament is returning after a three year absence. Tanzanian side Azam won the last edition in Tanzania in 2015 after defeating Gor Mahia 2-0 in the final.

Simba SC are the record holders with six titles. Howevcer, their last triumph was back in 2002.

Only three Ugandan sides have won the Kagame cup since its inception in 1967. These include KCCA FC, Police FC and SC Villa (3).

*All the knock-out games will take place at the National Stadium.

The CECAFA Kagame cup group stage:

Group A.

1. Azam FC (Tanzania)
2. Vipers SC (Uganda)
3. JKU FC (Zanzibar)
4. Katar FC (South Sudan)

Group B.

1. Rayon Sport (Rwanda)
2. Gor Mahia (Kenya)
3. Lydia Ludic (Burundi)
4. Ports FC (Djibouti))

Group C.

1. Singida FC (Tanzania)
2. APR FC (Rwanda)
3. Simba SC (Tanzania)
4. Dakadaha (Somalia)