“The US$1m will cater for air tickets for all teams, referees, officials, accommodation and cash prize,” said CECAFA’s secretary general Nicholas Musonye in Nairobi.

Musonye said many clubs across the continent had shown an interest in participating in the event but CECAFA had to whittle them down due to logistical issues and instead accommodate only two teams.

"In this regard, we considered TP Mazembe of Democratic Republic of Congo, who will be participating for the second time, and Heartland FC of Nigeria, who will be making their debut," said Musonye.

Last year, Atraco romped to the title after a shock 1-0 win over hosts El-Merreikh of Sudan in the final. It was the biggest upset in the competition's 34-year history not only because it was the Taxi Men's debut in the event, but also because El-Merreikh had hammered Atraco 6-1 in the group stage.

In yesterday’s draw, Rwanda champions APR found out they will renew their rivalry against African champions TP Mazembe, who eliminated them last month in the CAF Orange Champions League second round. The two are pooled in Group A alongside Vita O of Burundi and Djibouti’s Telkom.

Group B will have last year’s Champions league finalists Heartland battling Rwanda’s Rayon Sport, Mafunzo of Zanzibar and coach Micho Sredojevic’s St George from Ethiopia. Uganda Revenue Authority, Simba of Tanzania, Kenya’s Sofapaka and defending champions Atraco from Rwanda will complete Group C.

Group A: APR (Rwanda), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Vital O (Burundi), Telkom (Djibouti)

Group B: Rayon Sport (Rwanda), St George (Ethiopia), Heartland (Nigeria), Mafunzo (Zanzibar)

Group C: Atraco (Rwanda), Sofapaka (Kenya), URA (Uganda), Simba (Tanzania)

Source: Goal.com