South Africa will take on Zambia and Zimbabwe in friendly internationals later this month, coach Stuart Baxter has confirmed.

The exact details of the matches have not been supplied, but it is believed that Zimbabwe will host Bafana Bafana in Harare on March 24, with the team taking on Zambia at home before that.

The matches will be vital preparation for all COSAFA countries as they look ahead to the resumption of the African Nations Cup qualifiers in September.

It will also be an opportunity to build towards the COSAFA Cup, which is scheduled to be staged from May 27-June 9.

South Africa have met Zambia on 20 previous occasions, with Chipolopolo victorious on seven occasions. There have been five Bafana wins and eight draws.

They have played Zimbabwe on 13 previous occasions, with six wins each and a draw.