The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) announced that its 2019 tournament will be staged in Durban, South Africa, from May 25-June 8.
The tournament will be hosted in a partnership between the South African Football Association and the eThekwini Municipality.
The semi-final and final of the tournament will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
COSAFA says the tournament will serve as an ideal preparation for countries that will feature at the 2019 the Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt hosts the 2019 AFCON from June 21 to July 19.
South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan expressed his gratitude to Mayor Zandile Gumede and the municipality for stepping in to host the tournament. Jordaan said the move proved Durban’s readiness to stage world-class events at short notice.
“I am lost for words to describe how much the South African Football Association feel indebted to you and appreciate your valued friendship and support. You are a true, treasured partner,” Jordaan said.
COSAFA says the draw for the first-round group stage of the 2019 Cup is likely to be held in the first week of May. The format of the competition remains unchanged and will feature 14 teams.
The 2019 COSAFA Cup is the first of six tournaments scheduled to be hosted by the regional body this year.
Zimbabwe is the tournament’s defending champions and holds the record for the most titles won (6).
