adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE have joined seven other countries in confirming its participation in the 2014 edition of the Council of Southern African Football Associations (Cosafa) Senior Challenge set to be held in Botswana from September 13-28.
With the deadline for confirmation set for April 25, Zimbabwe joined Namibia, South Africa, Malawi, Seychelles, Lesotho, Swaziland and hosts Botswana in confirming their participation.
Reigning champions Zambia, who beat Zimbabwe in the final held at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, are yet to send their confirmation which is expected anytime soon.
“Many of our general secretaries from the various Cosafa countries were in South Africa at the Fifa seminar that was held recently and so have not been in their own offices to deal with such issues,” Cosafa chief executive officer Sue Destombes said in a communique released yesterday.
Kenya were the guest nation at the last finals in Zambia and Destombes said her office was already speaking to a number of countries from outside the region about participating in Botswana.
“That is why we have made the deadline for countries to confirm their participation so early in the year because it does then give us time to engage with others from outside Cosafa and give them adequate time to make a decision,” Destombes said.
The Cosafa Cup returns this year after the successful hosting of the 2013 edition in Zambia last July, with the host nation defeating the Warriors in the final to record their fourth tournament win, drawing level with Zimbabwe at the top of the list of all-time highest tournament wins.
South Africa and Angola are the only other countries to have lifted the title registering three wins each.
Zimbabwe were expected to play host to this year’s edition of the tournament but lack of government guarantees saw that right being taken away and awarded to Botswana.
Online Reporter