Tanzanian powerhouses Singida Black Stars and Simba SC will begin their CECAFA Kagame Cup campaigns on Saturday as Group B action gets underway at Kigali Pelé Stadium. The two Tanzanian clubs are among the favourites to challenge for this year’s regional title, with both expected to make strong starts to their respective campaigns. Defending champions Singida Black Stars will begin their title defence against South Sudan’s Jamus SC in the opening Group B fixture at 3 p.m. The match is expected to attract particular interest from Rwandan football fans, with Jamus SC boasting the services of Rwandan midfielder Kevin Muhire, whose creativity and experience could prove crucial for the South Sudanese side. Muhire will be tasked with inspiring Jamus against a Singida side determined to demonstrate why they remain one of the strongest teams in the region. The Tanzanian champions will be eager to secure a winning start and send an early warning to their rivals. Later in the evening, at 6 p.m., another exciting contest awaits as Simba SC take on Somalia’s Mogadishu City Club. Simba, the tournament’s most decorated club, arrive in Kigali with high expectations. Their rich continental pedigree and star-studded squad make them one of the tournament favourites, although they will be wary of a Mogadishu City side eager to cause an upset in their opening match. The CECAFA Kagame Cup has brought together 12 clubs from across East and Central Africa, divided into three groups. The winners of each group will qualify automatically for the semi-finals, while the best runner-up across the three groups will claim the remaining semi-final spot. The tournament is being staged at Amahoro Stadium and Kigali Pelé Stadium in Kigali, with the semi-finals scheduled for August 4 and the third-place playoff and final set for August 7. Beyond competing for regional supremacy, the participating clubs are also using the tournament to prepare for their respective 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup campaigns.
