The curtains will come down on Friday with the final of the CECAFA Kagame Cup 2026 between Rayon Sport FC and Gor Mahia FC takes place at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda.
Supported by the Rwanda President Paul Kagame since 2002, the regional tournament which has grown in stature returned to Rwanda after seven years.
This year the tournament attracted 12 teams from nine countries and the head coaches of various teams have all hyped praise on Rwanda for being good hosts.
Hababuu Ali Omar (KVZ SC Coach): “This has been a well organized tournament and we are happy that it also gave us opportunity to prepare the team ahead of the new season.”
Guy Bukasa Misakabu (Al Hilal SC Coach): “The CECAFA Kagame Cup has given us the best chance to test the squad ahead of a busy new season. Rwanda have been very good hosts and we have liked the tournament.”
Saber Ben Jabria (Jamus SC Coach): “The organisation of the tournament by CECAFA has been good and the hosts Rwanda have also been good. The tournament has helped me test and know players since I am a new coach.”
Steven Robert Barker (Simba SC Coach): “Rwanda have been very good hosts because everything was well arranged together with CECAFA. Since it was pre-season it gave us good opportunity to test players.”
Harringingo Francis Christian (Rayon Sport FC Coach): “Getting to the final after winning all matches has been a good things for us during this pre-season tournament. We have loved the way of organistion by hosts Rwanda and CECAFA.”
Dadir Amin Ali (Mogadishu City Club Coach): “This tournament gave us the chance to test the team well since we are still playing the League back in Somalia and also preparation for the CAF Confederation Cup.”
Kadir Ahmed Robleh (Garde Republicaine FC Coach): “We liked the level of organisation by Rwanda and CECAFA. The tournament gave us chance for good exposure with other teams around the region.”
Denis Jean Lavagne (Vipers SC Coach): “As a new coach at the Club this tournament has given my a good insight of what kind of players we have and how we can sue them in the season. The Kagame Cup was well organized and we thank Rwanda and CECAFA.”
Taleb Abderrahim (APR FC Coach): “It was disappointing that we failed to qualify form the group. But we learnt lessons that will help us as we continue with the pre-season ahead of a busy new season. We thank the hosts and organisers of the tournament.”
Papy Okitankoyi Kimoto (Singida Black Stars FC Coach): “Although we failed to defend the title, the tournament gave us good ground to practice and try out several players ahead of the bust season. Rwanda were very good hosts.”
Charles Kwabian Akonnor (Gor Mahia FC Coach): “This has been a well organised tournament and we thank Rwanda and CECAFA for the good work. It has helped us as a team to prepare better during this pre-season and the bonus is getting to the final.”
