ZIMBABWE Premiership football champions Dynamos could be involved in the first-ever Cosafa club championship later this year if the regional body manages to tie up deals with various sponsors.
REPORT BY SPORTS EDITOR
Should the competition fail this year, it will definitely be staged next year in South Africa, who will also host the second edition before other countries are given an opportunity. Cosafa chief executive Sue Destombes told the Sowetan newspaper yesterday that they were close to reaching a deal with the sponsors for the first-ever regional club tournament — an idea which has been on the cards for almost a decade.
This, if it sails through, will enhance the competitiveness of the teams when they participate in the Caf Champions League.
She also said the organisation was happy with the way Zambia hosted the 2013 Cosafa Castle Cup.
“The tournament was as good for Zambia as it was for Cosafa as they attempt to showcase their ability to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations,” Destombes told the Sowetan.
“The facilities were good, we had good crowds and the TV coverage was phenomenal. From a footballing perspective, it was entertaining too. Overall, the Cosafa president (Suketu Patel) and his executive, along with the sponsors, were very happy with the event.”
Destombes said they were engaging with the tournament sponsors, one of whom is Castle Lager, to try to secure the event for the next three years at least.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“The sponsors’ option to renew runs until September 30, but in the meantime we will also be talking to other interested parties.
“We will also be engaging with prospective host countries as early as this week, but we will give Malawi an opportunity to put forward their bid to host.
“Malawi were due to host the event in 2012, but due to unforeseen circumstances that unfolded in that country it was cancelled.”
After the Cosafa Castle Cup, Namibia will host the women’s championships in October as they prepare for the 2014 African Women’s Championships. Lesotho will host the Under-10 championships in December while Zimbabwe will play host to the Under-17 games next year as part of the Zone Six games.
