Bandari FC has been officially excluded from this year’s Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar after the Football Kenya Federation denied them permission to participate in the tournamentDespite being the sole Kenyan team invited to the competition, the Mombasa-based club was prohibited from competing, with the FKF citing potential disruptions to the FKF Premier League fixtures.##NAJAVA_MECA_7765224##Initially placed in Group C alongside Yanga SC and KVZ FC, the dockers were subsequently replaced by Jamus FC from South Sudan after the group was reshuffled. As a result, Azam are set to face 2023 winners Mlandege FC (Zanzibar) as the Mapinduzi Cup commences on December 28th, 2023, at the renovated Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. The tournament will run until January 13, 2024.In Group A, Azam, eyeing their sixth Mapinduzi Cup title, will compete alongside Vital’O FC, Chipukizi United, and Mlandege FC. Simba SC, with three previous victories, headlines Group B, facing challenges from JKU SC, APR SC, and Singida Big Stars FC. Group C features Young Africans SC, Jamhuri SC, Jamus FC, and KVZ FC.The chairman of the Mapinduzi Cup organizing committee, Mbarouk Uthman, expressed expectations of a highly competitive tournament, especially with the participation of foreign sides such as APR FC from Rwanda, Burundi’s Vital’O FC, and Jamus FC from South Sudan.Nairobi United, MCF thirsting for Mara Sugar defender’s signatureBefore the Mapinduzi Cup kicks off, the Amaan Stadium will be officially opened on Wednesday, featuring an international match between Zanzibar Heroes and Kilimanjaro Stars.On the first day of action, Burundi’s Vital’O FC will face Chipukizi United, while KVZ, replacing Uganda Revenue Authority FC, will take on Jamhuri SC, and JKU will battle Singida Big Stars.Reigning Tanzania Premier League champions, Young Africans, are scheduled to play their opening Group C match against Jamhuri SC on December 31st, with Simba SC facing JKU SC on January 1st, 2024.The Mapinduzi Cup promises to be a thrilling competition with the inclusion of teams like APR FC, Vital’O FC, and Jamus FC, adding excitement to the football spectacle in Zanzibar.Mwalala lauds fast-rising midfielder, tips him to earn Harambee Stars call up soon
