The inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship has been postponed for a second time, with organizers now setting fresh dates for July 16 to 20, 2025. Initially planned for June 6–11 in Mombasa, Kenya, the tournament was later pushed to July 7–12 before the latest rescheduling was confirmed.
This latest change comes as the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) continues to navigate logistical and organizational challenges. The event, which marks a significant step in the development of beach soccer within the East and Central African region, is expected to bring together several national teams for a week-long showcase of the fast-growing sport.
Despite the postponements, CECAFA remains optimistic that the event will deliver on its promise to offer an exciting and well-organized competition. The new dates, organizers say, will allow more time to finalize preparations and ensure that all requirements for hosting are adequately met.
According to the organizing committee, the main reason behind the delays has been logistical constraints. These include venue readiness, coordination with participating teams, and ensuring the necessary infrastructure and equipment are in place to meet international beach soccer standards.
With the new dates confirmed, attention now turns to team participation. Several countries have already committed to taking part in the tournament, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Burundi, and invited guest teams Malawi and Seychelles. The response from these teams underscores the regional interest and enthusiasm for beach soccer, a sport gaining momentum in many African nations.
Efforts to expand participation are still ongoing. The competition’s organizing team has also extended invitations to additional member associations outside the CECAFA region, with expectations that more teams will confirm their attendance in the coming days. This broader inclusion is seen as a step toward establishing the tournament as a premier event on the continental beach soccer calendar.
CECAFA views the tournament as a foundational effort to grow beach soccer across East and Central Africa. Beyond the inaugural edition, there are plans to institutionalize the event as a regular feature, encouraging the growth of beach soccer leagues and development programs throughout member countries.
In addition to the beach soccer championship, CECAFA’s calendar for the remainder of the year includes several youth and senior-level competitions across both men’s and women’s football. The regional body continues to expand its portfolio to promote competitive football and talent development across all formats of the game.
With the new dates in place, anticipation now builds for a successful kickoff in mid-July, as CECAFA and participating nations prepare to bring beach soccer to the forefront of regional sport.
