CAPE TOWN - New African champions Pyramids of Egypt will begin the defence of their Champions League crown in the first round next month, but the team they beat in last season’s final have been granted a bye into the second round. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Whether in a sports jersey or a suit, Kenyan President William Ruto is casting himself as a model supporter of the national football team as an international tournament provides respite from recent bloody protests against his regime.- 'Soft-power tactics' - But the tournament now "offers Ruto respite" even as his administration faces allegations of other "mega corruption scandals," observed a column in the Standard, a daily critical of the president.

After severe delays in stadium renovations, east Africa is finally ready to co-host the much-awaited African Nations Championship (CHAN), kicking off on Saturday.Getting the five stadiums ready has been a struggle, with CAF delaying the tournament from its planned dates in February to give them more time to prepare.