DAR ES SALAAM: THE AFCON Kitaa Intercities Champions Cup that is set to be launched on July 22, 2026 in Dar es Salaam, will serve as a platform to identify and nurture talented footballers from cities across the country.
The grassroots football initiative has been designed to bring the excitement and spirit of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda directly to local communities.
Announcing the initiative in Dar es Salaam yesterday, AFCON Kitaa Intercities Tournament Technical Director, Felix Kimomole, said Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, will officiate at the launch ceremony.
“This is more than just a tournament. It is a platform that bridges the gap between grassroots and professional football,” he said.
“By organising competitions across different cities, we are building national excitement, identifying young talent and ensuring that the legacy of AFCON 2027 extends beyond the major stadiums into the streets (Kitaa), where the true passion for the game begins.”
Kimomole said the tournament was conceived to ensure that East Africa’s historic hosting of the 2027 AFCON finals leaves a lasting social and economic legacy.
“Through this initiative, we are supporting the goals of the three host nations to deliver an exceptional tournament unlike any witnessed before,” he said.
“We are also supporting the vision of the governments of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, while providing young people with an opportunity to showcase talents and engage in productive activities.”
He added that local communities, stakeholders, investors and students would be among the project’s direct beneficiaries.
“By adopting the name ‘Kitaa’, we are bringing the tournament atmosphere to local streets and urban centres, ensuring that the benefits of hosting a major continental football tournament are felt by ordinary citizens and aspiring young players,” he said.
The AFCON Kitaa Intercities Champions Cup presents a strategic opportunity not only to promote sport but also to strengthen community engagement and stimulate economic growth by encouraging dialogue on the role of sport in personal and social development.
The initiative is also expected to serve as a catalyst for greater investment in sports infrastructure and development programmes, ensuring that the benefits of hosting the 2027 AFCON finals extend well beyond the tournament itself and leave a lasting legacy for communities across the country.