Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Frans Mbidi has confirmed that the country will host the COSAFA Cup 2016.

Mbidi has confirmed that the Namibian government has pledged financial support for the event, which is scheduled to be played in May next year, with the exact dated to be announced at a later stage.

The government said it will set aside N$8-million for the tournament, which this year was co-sponsored by energy drink Power Horse and popular beer Castle Lager.

“The hosting rights for the COSAFA Cup 2016 have been awarded to Namibia already and the line ministry has approved the budget as well,” Mbidi told The Namibian Sport.

“What happened is that the COSAFA organising committee approached the NFA in respect of hosting next year’s event to which the NFA executive and its secretariat responded in the affirmative.”

Last year Namibia successfully hosted the African Women’s Championship and is hoping to host more junior tournaments in the coming years.

Namibia won the COSAFA Cup 2015 that was hosted in South Africa, beating Mozambique in the final.