Free entry as Kenya Police Bullets face Kampala Queens in CECAFA opener at Nyayo

Kenya Police Bullets players in action during a past match. (Photo: File)

By Erick Kariuki
Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Fans have been promised free entry, with CECAFA Competitions Director Yousuf Mossi urging Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to support women’s football in the region.

The stage is set for the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers, which kick off on Thursday, September 4, at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.

Fans have been promised free entry, with CECAFA Competitions Director Yousuf Mossi urging Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to support women’s football in the region.

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The tournament, which runs until September 11, brings together nine league champions from across the CECAFA zone as they battle for a single coveted ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals scheduled for November in Egypt.

In a historic development, the eventual winner will also earn a place in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, making this year’s qualifiers one of the most high-stakes competitions in CECAFA’s history.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, Yousuf described the opening clash between Kenya Police Bullets and Uganda’s Kampala Queens as “a final before the final,” noting the intensity and quality expected from the region’s top clubs. Earlier in the day, Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank will face Rwanda’s Rayon Sports Women in the tournament opener.

“We want fans to come and fill the stadiums. Entry is free because this tournament is about more than football; it is about development, opportunity, and giving young girls in our region the biggest stage,” Yousuf said. “The winner will not only represent CECAFA in Egypt but will also get the chance to compete at the global stage in the Women’s Club World Cup.”

Jean Sseninde, CECAFA Women’s Football Development Manager, hailed the growth of the women’s game in East and Central Africa, noting the increase in participation and standards over the years.

“This competition is not only about lifting a trophy, it is about raising a new generation of women footballers, journalists, medics, and administrators who will carry our region forward,” she said.

She added that with nine teams competing this year, including debutants Denden WFC from Eritrea, the tournament reflects the expanding footprint of women’s football across the region.

“We have gone from eight teams last year to nine this year, and that shows growth. Our clubs are now providing facilities, buses, and proper structures dedicated to women’s football. That is progress.”

Matches will be staged at Nyayo Stadium and the Ulinzi Sports Complex, with both venues praised for their world-class facilities. CECAFA also commended the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for their cooperation and support in hosting the competition.

As the nine champions, Kenya Police Bullets, Kampala Queens, JKT Queens, JKU Princess, Denden WFC, Yei Joint Stars, Top Girls Academy, Rayon Sports Women, and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia line up for the showdown, the dream is not just about regional glory.

For the first time, a CECAFA club could find itself competing against the world’s elite in the Women’s Club World Cup, a powerful incentive that has electrified anticipation across the region.