adminMalawi who had been wooed from the Southern Region.
The Warriors also featured in the 2009 edition of the tournament in Kenya.
But last year the organisers brought in Malawi and the Flames reached the quarter-finals of the tournament.
This year Malawi were again invited to the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup but the Football Association of Malawi turned down the invitation citing financial constraints
The baton was then passed to the Zimbabweans.
Yesterday, Zifa chief executive, Jonathan Mashingaidze, said they were yet to confirm the team’s participation at the 35th edition of the tournament that would be hosted by Tanzania for the second consecutive year from November 26.
“I can confirm we received an invitation to participate but we are going to consult with the board on the way forward.
“In a few days’ time we will have a position.
“We look forward to participating in such tournaments as a build up to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and they help the technical team in coming up with a strong pool of players by having a chance to assess the local players,” said Mashingaidze.
The Warriors were invited for the 33rd edition that was held in Nairobi but crashed out in the quarter-finals.
Under the guidance of coach Norman Mapeza the Warriors managed a single victory, defeating Somalia 2-0 with Tapiwa Mangezi and Guthrie Zhokinyi on target, and had a goalless draw with Eritrea.
Zimbabwe then lost 1-0 to Rwanda who went on to reach the final but lost to Uganda who were crowned champions. The tournament received 823million shillings (approximately £285 000) sponsorship from Serengeti Breweries Limited and the competition will be sponsored under the Tusker brand. If Zimbabwe confirm their participation they will join Sudan, Harambee Stars of Kenya, and Eritrea in Group C, where Malawi was pooled.
The hosts and defending champions Tanzania, Rwanda, Djibouti and Ethiopia are in Group B while Group B has 2009 champions Uganda, Burundi, Zanzibar and Somalia.
Meanwhile, reports from Malawi last night said Government had intervened and will now send the team to East Africa.
It was not clear what would happen to the invitation extended to Zimbabwe.
Nyasa Times reported that, in a dramatic twist of events, the Government said it will fund Malawi’s participation at this year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge.
“Over the weekend, the National Sports Council recommended to the Football Association of Malawi to reconsider their participation because of the limited time available to prepare and seek approval following Cecafa’s late invitation, ” the publication said.
“The Council and FAM were of the view that the resources for this competition be channeled to preparations for the 2013 Afcon qualifier and World Cup games next year.
“But yesterday, Sports Minister Symon Vuwa Kaunda told reporters that Malawi will be part of the show this year and that the Government will shoulder part of the expenses believed to be around K8 million while Cecafa will also help. He said the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup was key for coach Kinnah Phiri to assess locally based players ahead of the qualifiers.
“FAM chief executive officer, Suzgo Nyirenda, confirmed to Nyasa Times that they had received communication from the Government to go ahead and participate.
“Nyirenda said they were now working on the squad for the competition that is expected to join camp on Sunday. Coach Kinnah Phiri had described Malawi’s failure to participate as a missed opportunity.
Online Reporter