Nicholas Musonye, the Cecafa Secretary General, has commended Rwanda’s preparations for the 2019 Cecafa Kagame Cup despite short notice.

"It is always an honour to have the tournament in Rwanda and we look forward to a successful and high-level competition.”

Rwanda was only awarded to host the regional tournament in May.

Azam, the main sponsors of the tournament, have injected in 200.000$, while President Paul Kagame will give 60.000$ that directly goes into awarding the best three teams.

"We (Cecafa) are satisfied with the swift preparations made by Rwanda to host the competition. All the stadiums, hotels and other necessary logistics are ready.

So we have no doubt Rwanda will host a successful event,” Musonye said in a press conference in Kigali on Friday.

APR begin the bid for their fourth Cecafa Kagame Cup title against Ugandan side Proline at Kigali Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off 4pm.

Hosts Rwanda are represented by three teams; APR, Rayon Sports and Mukura.

Rayon, winners of the tournament’s 1998 edition, will start their campaign against DR Congo giants TP Mazembe on Sunday, while Mukura will be up against holders Azam FC.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com