The winners of the 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA qualifiers will pocket approximately KSh12.9 million, with the tournament offering substantial financial rewards to participating schools.
The competition, which kicks off Thursday, September 3, in Kigali, Rwanda, will feature Under-15 boys’ and girls’ teams from across the CECAFA region, with the finals scheduled for September 5.
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Winners in both categories will receive US$100,000, equivalent to approximately KSh12.95 million, while runners-up will take home US$75,000 (KSh9.71 million). Third-placed teams will receive US$50,000, worth about KSh6.47 million at the current exchange rate.
The tournament is supported by the Motsepe Foundation, with the prize money earmarked for improving school infrastructure. Beneficiary schools can use the funds for projects including construction of classrooms, upgrading sports facilities and installation of clean water systems.
Kenya’s Under-15 Boys have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Rwanda, Sudan and Tanzania, while Group B features defending champions Uganda, Somalia, South Sudan and Burundi.
In the girls’ competition, Kenya are in Group B alongside Tanzania, Sudan and Somalia. Group A consists of Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Uganda.
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The top two teams from each group in both categories will advance to the semi-finals, with the eventual winners earning qualification to represent the CECAFA region at the CAF African Schools Football Championship continental stage.
The Boys’ matches will be played at Kigali Pele Stadium, while the Girls’ fixtures will be staged at the FERWAFA Complex. The final day will be held at Kigali Pele Stadium on September 5.
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