The COSAFA Executive Committee has approved Zimbabwe’s candidacy to host the 2019 COSAFA Cup, with the prestigious regional showpiece tournament to be staged from May 19-June 1.

The Zimbabwe Football Association have agreed to act as hosts for the competition, and COSAFA are now waiting on the necessary government guarantees needed to rubber-stamp the event.

The tournament will serve as vital preparation for those Southern African sides who reach the 2019 African Nations Cup finals, which will be held in Zimbabwe from June 14-July 13.

Madagascar have already sealed a first ever visit to the finals, while South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia, Mozambique and Lesotho are all in with a strong chance of joining them when the qualifiers are completed in March.

Zimbabwe last hosted the COSAFA Cup in 2009 when they won on home soil, beating Zambia 3-1 in the decider in Harare.
They are also the defending champions after a thrilling 4-2 final victory over Zambia in the tournament played in Polokwane, South Africa in 2018.