Zimbabwe to host 2014 COSAFA

 THE Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has reportedly accepted a request by COSAFA to host the 2014 edition of the Senior Challenge Cup.

Zimbabwe last hosted the Southern African nations competition in 2009, before the tournament took a three-year break until earlier this year when Zambia were the hosts.

Plans are apparently underway to schedule the dates ahead of the FIFA World Cup, since no Southern African nation has qualified for the world showpiece set to be held in Brazil next year.

ZIFA CEO Jonathan Mashingaidze explained that it was a mandate they could not refuse, as it was another opportunity for them to once again showcase their hosting capabilities.

“When COSAFA approached us we did not hesitate to accept the offer,” Mashingaidze told the Zimbabwe Mail. “We will host this tournament with dignity like we did in the past.

“We have all the infrastructure needed. We are happy we have the full backing of our government and we believe the new Sports Ministry will come in hand like they have promised us.”

In the 2009 edition, which Zimbabwe won, matches were played at the Rufaro Stadium and Barbourfields.

Zambia are the current holders of the COSAFA crown after they too won the title as hosts.