SportPesa Premier League (SPL) giants AFC Leopards have been drawn against Tanzanian bigwigs Simba in the quarter-finals of the third edition of the SportPesa Cup tournament that kicks off on January 22-27 at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Debutants Bandari play Tanzanian side Singida United on January 22 before Tanzanian champions Young Africans (Yanga) square it out with SportPesa Shield winners Kariobangi Sharks in the second fixture.
Defending champions Gor Mahia will face Mwanza-based Mbao on January 23 at 2pm, the same day that Meddie Kagere’s Simba will be up against AFC Leopards from 4.15pm.
The semi-finals will be played on January 25 while the third place playoff match will be staged on the final day at 2pm.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) competitions manager Salum Madadi said preparations for the competition are complete urging all football fans across the region to turn up in masses for the exciting matches.
“We are confident that our teams will perform well and ensure that the cup remains here at home,” said Madadi.
The winner, who bags Sh3 million in prize money, will have the privilege to host nine-time English Premier League (EPL) champions Everton in their home country for a friendly match.
This will be the second time that Everton will visit East Africa after their first tour of Tanzania in 2017 where they played a friendly with the inaugural tournament winners Gor Mahia.