SIMBA SC are set to make a long awaited return to the CECAFA Kagame Cup after an eight year absence, following confirmation by the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) that the Tanzanian champions are among 11 clubs selected to participate in the 2026 edition of the regional competition.

The tournament, one of East and Central Africa's most prestigious club championships, will take place in Rwanda from July 24 to August 8, with matches scheduled to be played at Amahoro National Stadium and Kigali Pele Stadium in Kigali.

Simba's inclusion marks their first appearance in the Kagame Cup since 2018, bringing back one of the competition's most successful clubs. The Msimbazi Street side has won the regional title six times and will be aiming to add another trophy to their impressive collection as they prepare for the new football season.

The regional governing body announced that 11 teams have so far secured places in the tournament, with the final, 12th participant expected to be confirmed on July 6.

For Simba, the Kagame Cup comes at an important stage of their preparations as the club looks to build momentum ahead of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign.

The tournament is expected to provide coach Steve Barker and his technical bench with an opportunity to assess the squad, integrate new players and fine tune tactics against quality opposition from across the CECAFA region.

Competitive matches against some of East and Central Africa's strongest clubs will also allow Simba to improve match fitness before domestic and continental competitions begin later this year.

CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde said the tournament remains an important platform for clubs representing the region in CAF competitions.

"We are excited that this tournament will give our teams a platform to prepare ahead of the CAF competitions kicking off in September 2026," Sseninde said.

He also confirmed that one additional club will complete the tournament lineup, with the final participant set to be announced in the coming days.

The 2026 Kagame Cup has attracted some of the biggest clubs from East and Central Africa, setting the stage for a highly competitive tournament.

Host nation Rwanda will be represented by APR FC and Rayon Sport, while Uganda's Vipers SC and Kenya's Gor Mahia FC are also among the confirmed participants.

Sudan will have two representatives Al Hilal SC and Al Merriekh SC while Somalia will be represented by Mogadishu City FC. South Sudan's Jamus SC, Djibouti's FC Garde Républicaine and Zanzibar's KVZ FC have also secured their places.

Simba remain Tanzania's only confirmed representative among the teams announced so far.

Having established themselves as one of the region's most decorated clubs, Simba will enter the tournament with high expectations. Their six Kagame Cup titles underline the club's rich history in regional football, and supporters will be eager to see the team challenge for another championship after missing the competition for eight years.

Beyond the pursuit of silverware, the tournament offers Simba a valuable opportunity to measure themselves against regional rivals before the start of a demanding season that includes both domestic and continental commitments.

With experienced clubs from across East and Central Africa set to compete, the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup is expected to deliver high quality football while helping participating teams sharpen their preparations for the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

For Simba SC, the tournament represents more than just a return it is a chance to reassert their status as one of East Africa's leading football clubs and begin the new campaign on a positive note.