The CECAFA Zonal qualifier for the CAF Women’s Champions League is scheduled to take place from August 17th to September 4th, 2024, in the vibrant Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. This prestigious event will see nine teams from the region compete for a coveted spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
Participating Teams and Newcomers
This year’s tournament is especially significant as it welcomes several teams making their debut. Kenya’s Police Bullets FC, Warriors Queens from Zanzibar, Kawempe Muslim Ladies from Uganda, and Rayon Sport Women from Rwanda will participate in the CECAFA Zonal qualifier for the first time. Their inclusion adds a new level of excitement and competitiveness to the tournament.
Competing Teams
- Kenya Police Bullets FC (Kenya)
- Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (Ethiopia)
- PVP Buyenzi (Burundi)
- FAD Djibouti (Djibouti)
- Rayon Sport Women (Rwanda)
- Yei Joint Stars (South Sudan)
- Simba Queens (Tanzania)
- Kawempe Muslim Ladies (Uganda)
- Warriors Queens (Zanzibar)
Insights from CECAFA
Yusuf Mossi, the CECAFA Competitions Manager, emphasized the high expectations for the upcoming tournament. “We expect a very competitive tournament which will see some new teams and others return after a year. The standard of Women’s Football in the Zone keeps improving and this we have noted during this qualifier,” Mossi stated. His remarks highlight the continuous development and increasing competitiveness of women’s football in the region.
Historical Performances
In recent years, the CECAFA Zone has been represented by some of the strongest teams in the CAF Women’s Champions League. Kenya’s Vihiga Queens, Tanzania’s Simba Queens, and JKT Queens have been notable participants.
Vihiga Queens’ Journey
In the inaugural edition held in Egypt in 2021, Vihiga Queens represented the CECAFA Zone. Despite a valiant effort, they managed to secure only one win against Morocco’s AS FAR, failing to progress beyond the group stage. This experience, however, laid the groundwork for future participation and improvement.
Simba Queens’ Success
The following year, Simba Queens from Tanzania reached the semi-final stage in an impressive run. They narrowly missed out on a place in the final, losing 1-0 to the eventual champions, Mamelodi Sundowns. Their performance demonstrated the potential and growing strength of CECAFA teams in continental competitions.
JKT Queens’ Challenge
Last year, JKT Queens represented the zone in Ivory Coast. Despite their best efforts, they failed to advance past the group stage, securing only one victory—a 2-1 win against Athletico Football Club of Abidjan. These experiences have collectively contributed to raising the standard and expectations for CECAFA teams in the tournament.
Expectations for 2024
The 2024 CECAFA Zonal qualifier promises to be a thrilling competition with a mix of experienced teams and fresh challengers. The inclusion of new teams like Kenya’s Police Bullets FC and Rwanda’s Rayon Sport Women signifies the expanding reach and popularity of women’s football in the region. These teams are eager to showcase their talent on this prestigious platform and make a mark in the history of the tournament.
Enhancing Competitiveness
The consistent improvement in the standard of women’s football within the CECAFA Zone is evident. The increased competitiveness can be attributed to better training facilities, more exposure to international matches, and the dedication of the players and coaching staff. This year’s tournament will be a testament to these efforts, with each team vying for the top spot to represent the zone in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
Conclusion
The CECAFA Zonal qualifier for the CAF Women’s Champions League in Addis Ababa is set to be a landmark event in women’s football. From August 17th to September 4th, 2024, nine teams will battle it out for the honor of representing the zone in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals. With a mix of returning powerhouses and promising newcomers, the tournament promises to deliver high-stakes action and showcase the growth of women’s football in the region.
The inclusion of new teams like Police Bullets FC, Warriors Queens, Kawempe Muslim Ladies, and Rayon Sport Women brings fresh excitement and unpredictability to the tournament. Fans can expect a series of thrilling matches as these teams compete for regional supremacy. The continuous improvement and rising standards in the CECAFA Zone reflect the dedication and passion driving women’s football forward.
As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a fiercely contested and memorable event in the heart of Addis Ababa.
