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Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Bandari have been invited to grace this year’s Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.

The competition is set to run from December 18, 2023, to January 13, 2024, with three other foreign clubs joining Bandari in this year’s edition.

APR FC from Rwanda, URA FC from Uganda, and Burundi’s Vital’O are the other clubs outside Tanzania that will compete for the historical cup.

Amani Stadium will host the Mapinduzi Cup tournament that has always been organised by the Zanzibar government and the Island’s Football Federation (ZFF).

Simba, Yanga challenge

It is going to be a tough competition given that Tanzania Mainland Premier League giants Simba SC and Yanga SC are going to compete.

Simba, the defending champions, are tipped as among the favourites given their long-time competitive pedigree. Wekundu wa Msimbazi were among the clubs that took part in the inaugural African Football League (AFL) and have been consistent contestants in the CAF Champions League.

On the other hand, Yanga, the reigning Premier League champions, have been in top form for the last two seasons. They defended the league last term after previously wrestling it back from Simba in an unbeaten season.

Azam FC and Singida Big Stars are also going to take part in the annual competition. Big Stars have dared to dream and challenge big rivals, and in their ranks they have experienced stars like Joash Onyango and Meddie Kagere, both Premier League winners with Gor Mahia and Simba.

Mlandege SC, Jamhuri SC, KVZ FC, and Chipukizi FC are the teams from Zanzibar that will compete with clubs outside the island.

Amani Stadium, the newly renovated facility, will be officially opened on December 27 with a match pitting Zanzibar Heroes and Tanzania Mainland before the tournament officially kicks off.