In a vibrant return to continental spotlight, the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers are headed to Nairobi following Kenya’s successful bid to host the regional showpiece. The announcement by the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) not only excites local fans but also underscores the rising tide of women’s football in the region. For the second time, Kenya finds itself in the role of host, serving both nostalgia and new opportunity, having previously inaugurated the qualifiers in 2021.
Why Kenya’s hosting matters for the region
Football has always been more than just a game,it is a reflection of society, ambition, and a tool for empowerment. When CECAFA officially confirmed Kenya as the new host, it was a nod not just to infrastructure but to a football culture that is growing in appetite and pride. Nairobi replaces Dar es Salaam as the venue, after a late change that sees Tanzania now take on the CECAFA Club Championship. For Kenya, this is more than a logistical win, it is a recognition of the country’s commitment to developing women’s football and amplifying its impact both on and off the field.
The tournament will unfold from Thursday, 4 September, until Tuesday, 16 September, creating a two-week stage for rising stars and seasoned champions. Only the victor in this highly competitive qualifier will move on to represent the CECAFA region at the CAF Women’s Champions League, further raising the stakes for all contenders.
The journey back home and what it means for Kenya
When Kenya last hosted the qualifiers, it was a landmark moment. The memory of Vihiga Queens claiming the inaugural crown is still fresh, energizing the atmosphere and raising expectations for the host nation’s representative. This time, Kenya Police Bullets FC will carry the flag. They earned their spot by defending their league title, and they now have unfinished business—they narrowly missed continental qualification in the previous edition after a gripping final against Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) FC. The narrative now centers on redemption, resilience, and the determination of a team with eyes firmly set on the main stage of African women’s club football.
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Who will take the field in Nairobi
The CECAFA qualifiers bring together eight exceptional teams, each vying for a single prestigious ticket. The confirmed participants are:
- Top Girls Academy FC from Burundi,
- Kenya Police Bullets FC representing Kenya,
- Yei Joint Stars FC of South Sudan,
- JKT Queens from Tanzania,
- Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC,
- Kampala Queens of Uganda,
- Rayon Sports Women FC from Rwanda,
- and JKU Princesses FC representing Zanzibar.
Interestingly, four CECAFA member nations—Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Djibouti—will not send teams this year. That absence, while notable, does nothing to detract from the quality and intensity expected in Nairobi. Every club on the list has had its own odyssey, with defending champions CBE FC and South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars standing out as mainstays, having participated in all previous four editions.
Competition format and scheduling changes
CECAFA’s decision to adjust the tournament timeline was driven by its dedication to player welfare and regional programming. By closing the window before Thursday, 18 September, organizers enable eligible players to participate in the preliminary round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, also set for September. Such thoughtful coordination ensures that opportunities for young talent are not hindered by fixture congestion, nurturing the next generation of stars.
Yusuf Mossi, CECAFA Competitions Director, spoke to CECAFA Media about the region’s enthusiasm at the tournament’s return to familiar ground. “We are happy that the tournament will be returning to Kenya after the inaugural one was hosted there in 2021,” he stated, reflecting a sentiment echoed throughout the local football community. For Mossi and his colleagues, the event is a celebration of growth, continuity, and possibility.
Stories that go beyond the pitch
Behind the statistics and match reports are stories of ambition, pride, and persistence. From the league triumphs that brought Kenya Police Bullets FC back to the continental qualifiers, to the memories of a home crowd electrified in 2021, every moment is charged with emotion. For the players, this is an arena to etch their names in history. For the fans, it’s a chance to witness their heroes defy the odds once again. For the country, it’s an opportunity to showcase organizational prowess and an unshakable belief in football’s power to unite and inspire.
The broader implications of this tournament echo far beyond the final whistle. With only the eventual winner earning a berth in the CAF Women’s Champions League, each group stage match and knockout round carries immense weight. The drama, heartbreak, and triumphs are as real as anything found on the world’s greatest sporting stages. Names like Vihiga Queens, Simba Queens, JKT Queens, and CBE FC have become synonymous with the highest level of regional club football. As new heroes are forged, regional rivalries are rekindled and new fans are drawn into the magic of the beautiful game.
