KAMPALA - Former Zambian skipper and now President of the country’s Football Federation Kalusha Bwalya has said taking part in the East and central Africa Senior Challenge Cup (Cecafa Cup) is a good test for his youthful team.

"We are very happy that the Cecafa executive invited us to this regional tournament because it will help our team prepare better for both the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament (meant for locally based players), the Africa Nations Cup/ World Cup qualifying competitions,” said Bwalya during an interview at Equatorial Hotel in Kampala this afternoon.

Kalusha who last visited Uganda in 1984 as a player when his Chipolopolo team beat Uganda Cranes to win the title said it will be a good test to come against formidable sides like Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda and Kenya. He also said they are taking the tournament very seriously as a do-or-die.

"I have told the players to take the event very seriously because it will be used as a yard stick for the coming competitions,” Kalusha told Times Sports.

Zambia who were also invited to the 2006 edition in Ethiopia beat Sudan in that final to win a cash prize of US$30,000, while Sudan walked away with the trophy.

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