24 July 2026
Southern Africa has taken a major step towards bringing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) back to the region after South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe submitted a joint bid to host the 2028 tournament.
COSAFA and Botswana Football Association president Tariq Babitseng confirmed that the three nations have joined forces in an attempt to secure hosting rights for Africa’s biggest football competition.
The bid comes as Southern Africa looks to host AFCON for the first time since South Africa staged the tournament in 2013, following recent editions held in other regions of the continent, including Morocco and Ivory Coast.
Babitseng believes the time is right for the southern part of Africa to once again showcase its ability to host a major continental event.
“Three countries being South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe have put in a bid and the three countries will meet this weekend in a preliminary meeting just to see if there are any issues that need ironing out,” Babitseng said.
“I can confidently say that these three countries have put in a joint bid and this was derived because in the past, the tournament was in Morocco, Ivory Coast etc and now it’s time for Southern Africa to host and that motivated us even more.”
The proposed partnership combines South Africa’s established football infrastructure with the developing facilities of its neighbouring countries. South Africa previously hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and has several world-class stadiums, while Botswana and Zimbabwe are working to improve their venues ahead of the potential tournament.
Babitseng highlighted the preparations taking place in both countries as part of the joint bid.
“Zimbabwe is busy with refurbishment, and they’ll have their stadiums ready by next year, Botswana also has stadiums in Gaborone and Francistown, and I don’t even need to speak about South Africa, they’ve hosted the World Cup.”
The joint bid will now enter a crucial phase, with the three countries expected to assess logistical requirements and ensure all aspects of the proposal are aligned before the final submission process.
For COSAFA, securing AFCON hosting rights would represent a significant milestone for Southern African football and provide an opportunity to grow the game in a region that has often played second fiddle to other parts of the continent.
With South Africa’s experience, Zimbabwe’s football heritage and Botswana’s growing ambitions, the trio hopes their combined proposal can convince CAF that Southern Africa is ready to welcome Africa’s premier football event once again.
Source: https://shorturl.at/CSZxz
