DEFENDING premiership champions Dynamos have turned down an invitation to play in the Cecafa Kagame Cup as it coincides with their Caf Confederation Cup match against Angolan side Inter-club.
Dynamos play the Angolans on the weekend of 14-16 July-the same weekend the East African competition, sponsored by Rwandese President Paul Kagame to the tune of $600 000, begins.
In addition, the Harare side already have two outstanding premier league matches against Hwange and Highlanders in addition to the BancABC Super Eight which starts on July 21.
Dembare secretary general Ray Kazembe said although they had yet to receive an official invitation they would not be able to travel to Uganda because the competition clashed with several of their local and Caf games.
“We have not received an official invite. Besides, there are too many commitments coming up next month, both locally and in Africa, so want cant travel,” he said.
Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye had said they were expecting South African champions Orlando Pirates and Zimbabwean side to feature in the two-week event.
According to Musonye, the Cecafa had also invited TP Mazembe, but the former African champions also have a packed schedule of local and champions league fixtures, leaving DC Motema Pembe the likely side to replace them.
“We are looking forward to having three teams from non-member states. Chances for Orlando Pirates and Dynamos to feature are great, but we are still struggling to get a team from DR Congo,” the long-serving Cicada official said.
“Cecafa’s intention of inviting these big teams is to expose our regional sides to challenges from other soccer blocs, so we are really anticipating a good tournament.”
Pirates might however travel to Uganda in the tournament following the cancellation of the 2012 edition of the Vodacom Challenge, which was due to feature Kaizer Chiefs, TP Mazembe of the DRC and English side Newcastle United.
Pirates play AmaZulu in an all new cup match – the Freedom Cup – on July 8 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.