Zanzibar representatives Mafunzo Women SCC will open their Group A campaign against home side Rayon Sports WFC as the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers starts on Friday.

Cynthia Shilwatso, the Mafunzo Women SC captain has made it clear that they are determined and ready to put up a good show at the tournament.

“We respect our opponents, but we have what it takes to perform well because we have prepared well enough and we are determined to get to the later stages of the tournament,” says Shilwatso.

Coach Rosen Ilukov also made it clear that the team has prepared well after traveling to Kigali early and having chance to to a friendly match. “We know what to expect, but we are hoping to make a good start in the tournament,” added Ilukov.

The earlier Group A match at the Kigali Pele Stadium will see Yei Joint Stars FC (South Sudan) take on Eritrea’s Denden FC.

The regional qualifiers has attracted 10 teams and the winning team will represent the Zone at the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League 2026.