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Senior Sports Editor
The Confederation of African Football yesterday released the names of associations that forwarded bids for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals. The seven member associations are Algeria, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Sudan and Zimbabwe. For Zifa to win the bid they will have to embark on serious lobbying. It is an expensive exercise and because of the country’s economic position, it could turn out better to forget about the event as a fortune could be lost on a wild goose chase.
In terms of infrastructure, Harare has two stadia and several training venues that could be spruced up while Barbourfields Stadium and Mandava could be considered.
The accommodation and communication infrastructure in the country is of a commendable standard.
Zimbabwe will not have it easy as the list has some countries that have previously hosted such tournaments.
Caf have previously said they will consider a country that has played host to the games and has infrastructure ready for that.
That pronouncement has dampened the mood in Zimbabwe and the usual politics blamed with forthcoming Fifa elections being blamed for that.
Last week Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze handed over the country’s bid which is being supported by the government through two ministries.
The Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture under Andrew Langa, and the Tourism Ministry, keen to promote sports tourism, have supported Zifa’s bid.
Egypt appear to head the race as they have the infrastructure having last hosted a similar competition in 2006, Ghana have played host as well in 2000 when they co-hosted with Nigeria.
All of the countries have a record of hosting big continental events with relative success with Kenya having been the hosts of the 1987 All-Africa Games and Zimbabwe eight years later.
Nominations were called on August 23 following the withdrawal of Libya, the original hosts of the 31st edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, through a circular signed by Caf secretary general Hicham El Amrani.
Caf are expected to decide on the hosts at one of the executive committee meetings next year.
The circular emphasised that due to the limited time frame for the organisation of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, the Caf executive committee will focus on the host with acceptable infrastructure and facilities required (stadia, training grounds, accommodation, communications etc.) in making a decision. .
Online Reporter