David GOMBE
Kitara FC has received financial backing from the Government of Uganda through the National Council of Sports (NCS) as part of preparations for their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
The Royals will face Somalia’s Mogadishu City Club in the first preliminary round, with both legs set to be played at the Hoima City Stadium.
According to Kawowo Sports, government has extended UGX 150,000,000 (One Hundred Fifty Million Shillings) with immediate effect to help the club honour the continental engagement.
The amount is UGX 50 million short of what the club had requested in a letter signed by club President Deo Kasozi to the NCS dated August 25th.
The financial backing will go a long way in helping Kitara, who are set to cater for all expenses for the Mogadishu City side during their stay in Uganda, including accommodation, local transport and meals, as per CAF requirements when opponents agree to play both legs in one country.
The club had earlier raised concerns about the high costs of hosting two continental matches.
On top of the government support, Kitara will also receive USD 100,000 (approx. UGX 380M) from CAF as a grant to clubs participating in the preliminary rounds, aimed at easing the financial burden of continental football.
Should the Royals overcome Mogadishu City in the first preliminary round, a blockbuster tie against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the next round could await.
Kitara returns to continental football after winning the Stanbic Uganda Cup, and will be hoping home advantage in Hoima inspires them to a first-ever progression to the next round.
