Bandari FC, a prominent team in the FKF Premier League, has received an exclusive invitation to participate as the sole representative of Kenya in the upcoming 2023 Mapinduzi Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to take place between December 28 and January 13 at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Set to face formidable opponents from Zanzibar, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, Bandari FC is gearing up for this rare opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage. However, the journey won’t be without challenges, as potential matchups with powerhouses like Yanga SC, Simba SC, and Azam FC loom large. Simba SC holds the title as the reigning champions.
Ricky Solomon, Bandari FC’s technical director and a former Harambee Stars player, expressed gratitude to the Zanzibar Football Federation for extending the invitation. He emphasized the privilege and honor of being the sole Kenyan representative.
“We have accepted the invitation, and I want to thank the Zanzibar Football Federation for the opportunity. It is a privilege and an honor to participate, especially as the only team from Kenya. This is a great chance for our youth to compete against renowned African teams like Yanga and Simba, providing them with a unique challenge to enhance their experience beyond domestic competitions,” said Ricky Solomon.
The Mapinduzi Cup, an annual competition organized by the government of Zanzibar in collaboration with the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF), commemorates Zanzibar’s Revolution Day. Past winners include Azam FC, Simba SC, Mtibwa Sugar, and Young Africans SC.
The 2023 Mapinduzi Cup will feature a diverse lineup of teams, including Mlandege FC (Zanzibar), Singida Fountain Gate (Tanzania), Vital’O FC (Burundi), APR FC (Rwanda), URA FC (Uganda), and others.
Bandari FC sees this opportunity as a chance to make a mark and contribute to the rich history of the prestigious tournament.
