URA receive invite for Mapinduzi Cup

URA FC players celebrate a goal in tribute of fallen coach Sam Timbe during their FUFA Super 8 semi-final against KCCA FC | Photo Credit: URA FC Media

FOOTBALL URA receive invite for Mapinduzi Cup

Shafic Kiyaga 19:47 - 07.09.2023

In a letter addressed to URA FC through the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), the Zanzibar Football Federation extended this prestigious invitation on behalf of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

Uganda Revenue Authority Football Club (URA FC) has received an esteemed invitation to participate in the 2024 Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar.

In a letter addressed to URA FC through the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), the Zanzibar Football Federation extended this prestigious invitation on behalf of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

The tournament is scheduled to run from 25th December 2023 to 15th January 2024, promising an exciting start to the new year.

"It has to be noted that, on 12th January 2024, Zanzibar will celebrate the commemoration of 60 years of the Revolution of Zanzibar whereby both Presidents of Zanzibar and Tanzania will be available at the new Stadium," the letter stated.

The Mapinduzi Cup, a knockout football tournament in Zanzibar, takes its name from the Swahili word "Mapinduzi," which means Revolution, paying homage to the Zanzibar Revolution.

It's an event steeped in history and culture, and URA FC's participation signifies their recognition in the region.

During their stay in Zanzibar, URA FC will not only compete on the pitch but also have the unique opportunity to explore historical sites, thanks to the Local Organizing Committee's arrangements.

The Zanzibar Football Federation is committed to ensuring URA FC's seamless participation by providing essential support.

Among the extensive list of provisions, they will facilitate; stadiums for training and matches, hotel accommodation (full board), internal transport and other supplies.

URA FC is among the select 13 clubs that have had the honor of winning the Mapinduzi Cup, a prestigious list that includes fellow Ugandan side KCCA FC, which clinched the title in 2014.

URA FC secured their Mapinduzi Cup triumph in 2016, emerging victorious against Tanzania's Mtibwa Sugar with a resounding 3-1 scoreline.

The Tax Collectors then finished as runners-up in 2018, falling short to Tanzania's Azam FC in a tightly contested penalty shootout that ended 4-3 in favour of the Tanzanians.

If FUFA grants the request, URA FC will have their StarTimes Uganda Premier League fixtures adjusted to sustain their travel and preparation.

Among the games that will be affected include fixtures against Mbarara City, KCCA FC, SC Villa, and Gadaffi FC, Busoga United and Arua Hill.

The Mapinduzi Cup is a top knockout football tournament in Zanzibar. Mapinduzi meaning Revolution in recognition of the Zanzibar Revolution.

The Mapinduzi Cup is a tournament created by the Zanzibar Football Federation to commemorate Zanzibar's Revolution day which is marked annually on 12 January.

The first edition of the cup was in 1998. However, the cup is played between Zanzibari clubs together with clubs from Tanzania mainland.

Since 2013 clubs from Kenya and Uganda have been invited to take part occasionally.

Along with the Zanzibari Cup and Nyerere Cup, the three tournaments are the three main knockout tournaments in Zanzibar. The maiden edition was won by Jamhuri F.C.