The Seventh edition of the East Africa Community Military Games and Cultural Events starts today at diffrent venues in Nairobi.
Ulinzi Stars players walk off the pitch after a past Kenyan Premier League match at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru. PHOTO: BONFACE THUKU/STANDARD
In football, Ulinzi Stars will lock horns against defending champions, Uganda’s People’s Defence Forces at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani today a repeat of the finals of the annual championships that was played in 2011 in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Speaking after the training session at Kasarani, Uganda People’s Defence Forces Coach Fred Kajoba said he is confident his side will defend the title for the second time running.
“This year I have assembled a young team different from the one I used in winning the trophy in 2011,” said the coach.
“I know Ulinzi is a good side and we will accord them the respect they deserve. We will handle them with care with our intention of retaining the title in mind.
“I lost key players in the team who joined Tusker football this season, the likes of Karid Awicho, Robert Amnuk, Chiza Sekayambi and Martin Ande but the team is strong and ready for the championship. I have also added some young players from our Under-20 national team.”
Rigorous training
Kajoba, who is also the Uganda Cranes assistant coach, said that they have been in residential camp for a month in preparations for the championship.
He said with former Sofapaka midfielder Musa Mudde wearing the armband all will be well for the match expected to start at 3:30 pm.
Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Football Club, famously known as APR Rwanda will battle it out with Tanzania in the second day of the championship.
At the same time security has been beefed up ahead of the start of the seven-day event.
Safety concerns
Speaking while address the press at Kasarani, Paul Njuguna assured the public of maximum security urging fans to come and see what the men in uniform are capable of doing.
“We hope to do well in this edition. We are only defending two disciplines, handball men and cross country men. We have prepared well for the championship and our hope is to do well in all other disciplines,” said Njuguna.
All football and Basketball matches will be played from Kasarani while netball and cross-country will be staged at Kenya School of Monetary Studies and Kahawa Barracks respectively. Handball will be played at Nyayo National Stadium Handball Gymnasium.
In cross country, women will participate in 8km with the men battling it out over the 12km distance. This is the second time Kenya is hosting the regional military games. The first was in 2006.
By Rebecca Gichana, The Standard
