Coastal football powerhouses Bandari have been placed in pool C of the 2023/24 Mapinduzi Cup slated for Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar from December 28 to January 13.The Mapinduzi Cup is organized by the government of Zanzibar together with the Zanzibar Football Federation (ZFF) to commemorate Zanzibar’s Revolution Day which is marked annually.The 2019 FKF Cup winners will lock horns with Yanga SC, KVZ FC, and Vitalo FC.In Poool A, Mlandege, Azam, Chipukizi FC, and URA will square off.##NAJAVA_MECA_7753578##Pool B sees defending champions Simba, Jamhuri, APR, and Singida FC.Speaking to Mozzart Sport on their preparedness ahead of the tournament, Bandari technical director Ricky Solomon thanked the Zanzibar Football Federation, noting that the boys were ready for the challenge.”I want to thank the Zanzibar Football Federation for the invitation. It is a privilege and honor to participate,” Solomon told Mozzart Sport.Bandari will travel to Zanzibar on December 26.”We are the only team from Kenya and we will aim to fly the country’s flag high,” Solomon revealed.Azam have won the Mapinduzi Cup a record five times, while Simba have lifted it three times with Mtibwa Sugar and Young Africans tasting victory twice. Zanzibar’s Jamhuri, KMKM SC, Zanzibar Police, Mafunzo, Miembeni, and Malindi Sc each lifted the title once while Uganda’s sides KCCA FC and URA have laid hands on the crown once.Wydad coach Benzarti upset after suffering defeat away to SimbaReigning champions Simba will be looking to defend the title they won last edition.At the same time, Bandari who have been in sleek form this season will travel to the Machakos Stadium to square off with log leaders Gor Mahia in a league match set for Thursday. The dockers are placed fifth on the log with 26 points, five points short of the Green Army.Six players sue Bandari over unfair dismissalSolomon maintained that they are focused on the league match, with their main aim being to win the league. He foresees that Bandari would make history as the second team in the coast to win a Premier League title. The first title from the coastal region was won by the Faisal Football Club in 1962. “We are currently focused on the league. We hope to win against Gor,” the former Harambee Stars defender concluded.2023/2024 Mapinduzi Cup PoolsPool A: Mlandege, Azam, Chipukizi, URA.Pool B: Simba SC, Jamhuri, APR Singida.Pool C: Yanga SC, Bandari, KVZ, Vitalo
