Just two months ago uncertainty clouded the hosting of the 38th Cecafa Senior Challenge cup as Ethiopia Football Federation had not yet fully committed as they awaited Government approval and support.

It was a worrying situation considering 2014 Challenge Cup was not held after Cecafa failed to get a willing host.However the doubts were put to rest when Ethiopia indeed confirmed they would be hosted the oldest tournament in Africa after a great initiative my the Government of Ethiopia to help boast the tournament by giving out 40 million Birr.

The 38th Cecafa Challenge Cup was better and much more organised than the shambolic  37th Cecafa Senior Challenge cup that hosted by the Football Kenya Federation that left alot to be desired.

HOTELS:

EFF scored 80% putting up all the participating teams in beautiful hotels and unlike in Nairobi where most teams were locked in for failure to pay accommodation by the local federation  it was opposite in Ethiopia there was no hitch and no complain as teams settled down to play football rather than think about accommodation issues.

TRANSPORT:

EFF scored another 90% giving participating teams beautiful and very comfortable buses that provided the much needed comfort and transport to match and training venues a huge relief from many years where it has not been the norm.

STADIUMS:

3 Venues in three different cities was what football fans needed.National Stadium in Addis Ababa,Hawasa Stadium in Hawasa and Bahir Dar Stadium saw football spread across the country in immaculately done turfs that provided an antidote for good football to be played that was a huge plus by EFF who scored 70 %

FANS:

Ethiopian football fans did not disappoint at all they came in huge numbers filling up the stadiums and showing their love for good football.They are known across Africa for their great passion of the beautiful game and the same was evident during the 38th Cecafa Senior Challenge cup its was indeed a 100 % score .

SECURITY:

The Ethiopian Government deserves Kudos the security at the 38th Cecafa Senior Challenge cup was so impressive and it was a great example to may other countries how the same should be done.There was no incidences whatsoever as peace prevailed amid some very good football on the pitch.

FOOTBALL:

Fans were treated to wonderful football right from the first day of the competition in a very competitive environment.Uganda Cranes were worthy winners bagging the top prize followed by Rwanda and Ethiopia at third instrumentally all the top three teams will be representing the Cecafa region in the 2016 CHAN to be hosted by Rwanda.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com