IN preparation for the upcoming season and the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign, Singida Black Stars will participate in the CECAFA Kagame Cup.

The club's Information Officer, Hussein Massanza (pictured), confirmed that the CECAFA Kagame Cup, scheduled to run from September 2-15 in Dar es Salaam, will serve as crucial preparation for the team.

The team's first major test of the season will be the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round tie on September 19, an away game against Rwanda’s Rayon Sports at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali before the reverse fixture on September 26 in Tanzania.

Under the guidance of new head coach Miguel Gamondi, Singida Black Stars have been active in the transfer market.

The Singida-based side has secured several new foreign players, with the most recent signing being Ugandan midfielder Khalid Aucho, who has, however, yet to be officially announced.

To help Gamondi assess his squad and develop his tactics, Singida Black Stars have been playing a series of friendly matches.

These games are a key part of the team's preparations as they aim for a strong start to the new season.

According to the club’s official Massanza, the Singida Black Stars squad is in high spirits and fully focused on the upcoming season under new coach Gamondi.

Massanza emphasized the team's readiness for the challenges ahead, stating: "The new season is underway, and we are happy with the progress of our players in the camp.”

The official noted: “So far, everything is on track. We will use the CECAFA Kagame Cup to our advantage, so we can be ready for the new season as well as our first leg away game in the CAF Confederation Cup."

Regarding their upcoming continental tournament match against Rayon Sports, Massanza expressed confidence in the squad's quality.

"Our squad is built with so much quality, and we are eager to go further and qualify for the next round. We recently watched Rayon Sports, especially after their match against Young Africans, and we now know what to expect from them," Massanza said.

Massanza also confirmed that the team will arrive in Dar es Salaam early next week for their final preparations.

The club is highly motivated to perform well in the CECAFA Kagame Cup, hoping that a strong showing will boost morale before the official start of the season.

Zambia Super League side, Red Arrows, last year lifted the CECAFA Kagame Cup after defeating Rwanda’s APR FC in the final played at the KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Other teams expected to participate in the regional showdown include Vipers SC (Uganda), El Merriekh SC Bentiu (South Sudan), Mlandege SC (Zanzibar), Al Hilal (Sudan), Kenya Police FC (Kenya), Ethiopia Insurance (Ethiopia), MCC FC (Somalia), APR FC (Rwanda), Aigle Noir FC (Burundi), and ASAS Djibouti Telecom (Djibouti)

Simba SC and Young Africans SC are unlikely to play in the competition due to limited pre-season training ahead of the new season.

Singida Black Stars came fourth in the previous season of the Premier League, behind champion Young Africans SC, Simba SC, which came second, and Azam FC, which ended third. 

The strong league finish, coupled with the performance in the Federation Cup, earned Singida Black Stars a spot in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.

In the Federation Cup, Singida Black Stars had an impressive run, reaching the final. They notably defeated their rivals, Simba SC, 3-1 in the semi-finals.

However, their journey in the showdown ended in the final, which saw them lose 2-0 to defending champions, Young Africans SC.

With the appointment of Argentinian coach Gamondi, Singida Black Stars have high hopes for the upcoming season. 

Gamondi, who previously coached Young Africans SC to Premier League and Federation Cup titles, brings in a winning mentality and extensive experience.