The tournament, which returns after a three-year sabbatical linked to sponsorship problems, will be played in Zambia on July 6-20.
The media officer, Lynda Greeff, said recently that the 12 participating Cosafa and guest nations, Kenya and the Equatorial Guinea, would fight for a stake of more than R1-million. “The winning country will go home with R500,000, while the runners up will receive R250,000 and the team that collects the bronze medal will earn R150,000,” said Greeff.
“There will also be a Plate competition this year for the losing quarterfinalists, with the winner of that taking home R100,000. Cosafa are also hoping to promote exciting, attacking football for fans and will give two R30 000 prizes to the nations that score the most goals in the pool stages, ensuring there will be no ‘dead rubbers’ in the competition.”
There would also be R10,000 prizes each for Player of the Tournament, Top Goalscorer and Top Goalkeeper.
The draw was done earlier this month in Lusaka, with Zimbabwe among the seeded teams scheduled to start the defence of their title with a tasty clash against Malawi. South Africa were drawn against winners of Group A, while Angola await for the victors in Group B.
The opening game of the tournament is slated for July 6 in Lusaka, when Equatorial Guinea take on Mauritius. Matches will also be played in Ndola and Kitwe.
Post published in: Football