FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have turned down the invitation to participate in the 2024 Cecafa Kagame Cup to be staged from July 6 through to 22 in Zanzibar and Tanzania.
Bullets were invited as one of the guest teams at the tournament alongside Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) giants TP Mazembe and Zambian Super League champions Red Arrows.
In an interview Wednesday, Bullets Chief Administration Officer Albert Chigoga confirmed the development.
“We have not been doing well in the TNM Super League; so, we want to focus on domestic competitions and the Caf Champions League. We believe the decision is in the best interest of the team,” Chigoga said.
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Apart from Bullets, Mazembe have not confirmed their participation in this year’s Cecafa Cup as they are on off-season break.
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Bullets will take part in Caf Champions League, slated for August this year.
The 2024 Cecafa Kagame Cup is expected to attract teams such as APR from Rwanda, Gor Mahia from Kenya, Simba SC and Young Africans (both Tanzania), Al Hilal and El Merrekh (both from Sudan).
According to communication from Cecafa, the draw for this year’s event is expected to take place next week.
Sports analyst Sherry Msuku said it was a missed opportunity for Bullets.
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“It was a good opportunity for them to prepare for Caf Champions League matches but I think they are protecting their players from fatigue,” Msuku said.
Bullets took part in the 2021 Cecafa Cup, where they finished as runners-up after suffering a 1-0 loss to Express FC of Uganda under the then assistant coach Peter Mponda, who is now the coach for Silver Strikers.
