Nairobi: Kenya's sports betting and entertainment company, Betika, has signed a Sh42 million sponsorship deal with the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), as the Official Sponsor for the upcoming 2025 CECAFA Kagame Cup. The regional inter-club competition is set to take place from September 2 to September 15 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where 12 teams from the region will compete for the championship.
According to Kenya News Agency, Betika-sponsored Kenya Police FC will represent Kenya, while Singida Black Stars will represent the host nation, Tanzania. Rwanda's APR FC, last year's finalists and three-time winners, will also participate. Other teams in the tournament include Vipers SC (Uganda), El Merriekh SC Bentiu (South Sudan), Mlandege FC (Zanzibar), Flambeau du Centre (Burundi), Garde Cotes FC (Djibouti), Ethiopian Coffee FC (Ethiopia), Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan), and Alahly SC Wad Madani (Sudan).
Speaking during the event in a Nairobi hotel, Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava emphasized the company's commitment to supporting football as a unifying and transformative force. He stated, "Our commitment is to provide the resources, visibility, and experiences that will make this Kagame Cup the most memorable yet." Mutava highlighted that the sponsorship extends beyond merely funding football, focusing on investing in people and building connections across nations, showcasing the region's talent on a broader platform.
CECAFA Vice President Paulos Andemariam expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the collaboration between football and the private sector. He noted that Betika's involvement as the official sponsor marks a new era for the tournament, demonstrating the brand's confidence in the value and potential of CECAFA competitions.
The Kagame Cup, named after Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and a long-time patron of the tournament, has become a premier football event in East and Central Africa. It symbolizes sports diplomacy, cultural exchange, and regional unity through the shared passion for football.