By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Source: J Bzzy | Sports Hunter South Sudan | 21st July 2026
KIGALI - The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has brought forward the start of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers in Rwanda by one day.
The tournament, initially scheduled to kick off on 22 August 2026, will now begin on 21 August 2026, while the final will still be played on 6 September.
South Sudan will be represented by Yei Joint Stars FC, the reigning national champions, who secured their place after winning the 2026 South Sudan Women’s Cup.
The tournament will also mark the return of Sony Harriat as head coach of the Super Queens. Harriat will be aiming to guide Yei Joint Stars beyond the group stage for the first time in the club's history and secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Yei Joint Stars have established themselves as one of South Sudan's leading women's clubs, consistently dominating domestic competitions. However, success at the regional level has remained elusive, with the club yet to progress beyond the group stage of the CECAFA qualifiers.
The CECAFA qualifiers bring together champion clubs from across East and Central Africa, with only the tournament winner earning a place at the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League.
CECAFA is expected to announce the draw, fixtures, and updated match schedule in the coming weeks following the adjustment to the tournament's opening date.
