MTN Super League Champions Red Arrows have confirmed their participation in the 2024 CECAFA Invitational Tournament.
The tournament will be hosted in Tanzania as earlier reported by the ZamFoot Crew. The team will leave for Tanzania today.
“Red Arrows Football Club is excited to announce its participation in the CECAFA Invitational Tournament, which will be hosted in Tanzania. The team will depart for Tanzania on Monday, 08 July 2024.”
Head coach Chisi Mbewe has selected a 25-man squad to compete in the tournament running from 09 July to 21 July 2024 in Dar es Salaam.
New Acquisitions Godfrey Ngwenya and Angel Lubamba have both made the cut.
The Airmen will play their first match against Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC on Wednesday, 10 July at the Azam complex at 21h00 local time.
The second match is scheduled for Saturday, 13 July against Sudanese giants Al Hilal FC at 18h00 at the same venue, and the team will conclude the group fixture on Tuesday, 16 July against Djibouti side Telecom FC at the KMC stadium at 16h00.
The semi-finals and finals are scheduled for Friday, 19 July and Sunday 21, July 2024, respectively at the Azam Sports Complex.
Coach Chisi Mbewe has described the group pairing as tough but beneficial for the team’s exposure ahead of the CAF Champions League. He believes this tournament will provide valuable experience for the squad as they prepare for the upcoming competitions.
“Tournaments like CECAFA can foster team cohesion and bonding, which is crucial for team spirit and morale, especially when transitioning between different competitions. Participating in CECAFA will provide valuable match experience for players to stay sharp and maintain match fitness including younger or less experienced players to gain exposure and develop their skills in a competitive environment,” said Mbewe.
Full CECAFA Squad
GOALKEEPERS
Kenny Mumba
Jeban Tembo
Charles Kalumba
DEFENDERS
Brian Chilimina
Michee Malonga
Happy Nsiku
Nickson Mubili
Kebson Kamanga
Peter Kalota
Cedric Onyumbe
Allan Kapila
MIDFIELDERS
Ciel Ebengo
Godfrey Ngwenya
Anthony Shipanuka
George Chaloba
Edward Mwenya
Ackim Mumba
Saddam Yusuf Phiri
Kombe Sabiwa
Thomas Zulu
Paul Katema
Alassane Diarra
STRIKERS
Angel Lubamba
Ricky Banda
James Chamanga