Cecafa's Changing fortunes: Changes in Cecafa in the last 10 years

Nicholas Musonye, Secretary General of Cecafa during the launch of the Nile Basin Club Tournament held in Sudan in May. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO]

Our Special Correspondent in Kigali interviewed long serving General Secretary Nicholas Musonye.

FeverPitch: The ongoing Cecafa-Kagame Club Cup in Kigali is regarded as one of the best in terms of organisation and quality. What is your take?

Nicholas Musonye: Well, we have organised professional competitions in the past 12 years and each competition always leaves a hallmark. The competition in Rwanda this year is exciting. We have had high profile matches and spectators attending our matches cannot complain. Rwanda is one of the best homes of Cecafa and anytime we organise our competitions here, it goes on well. I agree with you. The Kagame Cup has been good all round and this is due to the fact that Cecafa and the people of Rwanda have been together for the past 16 years without any tension. The quality of football has been excellent.

FP: What does it take to organise Kagame Cup or Challenge Cup?
NM: The expenses are almost the same. It is up to the tune Sh50 million. This covers air tickets for all the teams (each team is composed of 25 people) full board accommodation, local transport of over 50 vehicles, allowances of Cecafa officials and referees, LOC running costs, prize money, security, local logistics etc. For the Challenge Cup it becomes even more expensive because of the General Assembly delegates.

FP: With sponsorship apathy in the region, how have you managed to sustain these competitions annually?

NM: We have tried to harness what we have. We get support from some corporates and Governments, especially in Rwanda, Tanzania and Sudan. For instance, it is easy to access Government officials in Sudan and Rwanda and things get done without too much complications and bureaucracy. Again, when I approach some corporates, they respond and support.

We had a long package sponsorship with EABL, which expired last year and we are trying to revive it. We are also reviving the Sh90 million sponsorship deal with Sheikh Mohamed Al Amoudi of Ethiopia which ran from 2004-6 before it was messed it up.

FP: You now have SuperSport for the next four years. How did you get this and how will it change the face of Cecafa?

NM: We have had a long relationship with Supersport dating back to 2004 even before they started doing business in Kenya, Zambia and Uganda. During this period, I convinced our members that we should give Supersport Free TV Rights until our product became marketable. That time Cecafa was looking bad and could not be sold. So this went on for a while as we remained patient.

SuperSport reacted positively when we approached them two years ago that they should consider fund us. Their reaction was instant and we sealed the deal last year, guaranteeing full live coverage for all our competitions and sponsorship money to cover costs. The money they give Cecafa may not be much.

But Cecafa benefits from the massive coverage of our products. This has helped to attract other sponsors because of the benefit they get from SuperSport coverage. If you watch the coverage in Rwanda during the ongoing Kagame Cup, you will appreciate what I am talking about.

The benefits go beyond strengthening Cecafa financially. For instance, we have given our players the platform to market themselves. They are watched all over the world. The scouts from European clubs are now following our competitions.

Besides football, the deal with SuperSport is also opening other avenues for our member associations in terms of tourism and infrastructure. Rwanda, for instance, has put up six new stadia and its game is exposed to the world. I want this trend to cut across the region.

FP: Despite your efforts, the region still cannot qualify for major competitions like Olympics, World Cup and even Cup of Nations. Why?

NM: I wish you could direct this question to the members directly. Cecafa organizes events for its members, pays for virtually everything. But some of our members cannot afford to buy water for their teams. How can such members qualify their teams to World Cup.? Even some teams travel with one set of uniform – some jerseys without numbers! That alone shows the level of some of our members. It is very annoying and sad, to say the least.

FP: On the same line. What are Cecafa’s chances of having representation in Morocco in AFCON 2015?

NM: First of all, I was really disappointed when Kenya and Tanzania failed to reach the group stage of the qualifiers. I had seen their group pairings and I thought this was an opportunity to have the two through to Morocco. Unfortunately they could not go past Mozambique and Lesotho.

Then last week, we suffered another blow when Rwanda were disqualified from the campaign. This has left us with only three teams in the group stage - Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia. It is not going to be easy because their groups are tricky. But we have faith in our three campaigners. If we get two, we will be more than fine and even one will suffice.

FP: What is your relationship with your members and the Governments in the region?

NM: I have a very good working relationship with most member associations and, as you know, you cannot be liked by all. Some are ish-ish, but majority are fine with me. The Governments are fine. I deal pretty confidently with all of them, but more especially Rwanda. However, you must note that the Government of Kenya has been generous over the years for the genuine support to Cecafa.

FP: During Kagame Cup in Rwanda, there were rumours that you may want to exit the stage. How true is this?

NM: Well, time will come and I will exit. I am used to rumours. When I don’t appear in the media they speculate and that is what is happening here. I don’t like appearing in the media everyday saying nothing.

FP: How many years have you served Cecafa?

NM: I have served Cecafa for 14 years. That is long enough.

FP: After exiting Cecafa, what are your future plans?

NM: Well, I will decide what to do when that time comes. But remember I also need some break from football matters and do something different. It can’t be football  throughout an adult life.


 

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 4 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known