Sudan’s football giants Al Hilal Omdurman have made a major investment in East and Central African football after committing $300,000 to the CECAFA Kagame Cup under a landmark three-year sponsorship agreement that is set to redefine the tournament’s stability and profile. The partnership agreement was signed on Friday afternoon at the FERWAFA facilities in Remera, Kigali, by FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema, Al Hilal SC President Yasir Hassan, and CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde, marking a significant milestone for regional club football. Under the deal, Al Hilal will provide $100,000 annually to support the CECAFA Kagame Cup hosted in Kigali over the next three years. The Sudanese club has also indicated that, should the partnership continue successfully, it is open to offering additional financial support for future CECAFA tournaments staged in Rwanda. Speaking during the signing ceremony, Al Hilal SC President Yasir Hassan said the decision to sponsor the tournament was driven by a broader vision to strengthen football across the region. “Al Hilal believes in the power of regional competitions to grow the game and create stronger clubs,” Yasir Hassan said. “The CECAFA Kagame Cup plays a critical role in developing talent and competitiveness in East and Central Africa, and we are proud to be part of its growth.” Hassan added that Rwanda’s consistency in hosting international sporting events was a key factor in Al Hilal’s commitment. “Rwanda has shown professionalism, strong organisation, and excellent facilities,” he noted. “Supporting a tournament hosted here aligns with our values and our ambition to see African football reach higher standards.” FERWAFA President Fabrice Shema described the sponsorship as a strong endorsement of Rwanda’s football infrastructure and organisational capacity. “This partnership reflects confidence in Rwanda as a host nation and in CECAFA as a regional body,” Shema said. “The involvement of a club of Al Hilal’s stature gives the tournament financial stability and raises its profile across the continent.” The deal will see Al Hilal become the main sponsor of the regional club championship organised by the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), offering long-term security to a tournament that has faced financial uncertainty and organisational challenges in recent editions. Rwanda will host the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Kigali from July 24 to August 8, with the country set to stage the tournament for three consecutive years. Matches will be played at the newly renovated Amahoro National Stadium and Kigali Pelé Stadium, reinforcing Rwanda’s growing reputation as a reliable hub for international football events. The 2026 edition will feature a competitive group-stage format bringing together some of the region’s most established clubs. Group A includes Rwandan champions APR FC, Uganda’s Vipers SC, Kenyan giants Gor Mahia, and Garde République of Djibouti. Group B will see Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars and Simba SC face Jamus SC of South Sudan and Mogadishu City from Somalia. Group C features tournament sponsors Al Hilal Omdurman, Rwanda’s Rayon Sports, Kenya’s Tusker FC, and KVZ of Zanzibar.
