DURBAN, South Africa, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The 2019 Men's Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup tournament is scheduled to be held in Durban on May 25, said the local municipality on Tuesday.
Moses Mabhida Stadium manager Vusi Mazibuko said it would be the first time the event is hosted in Durban, and the final match will be played at the stadium on June 8.
"There will be 23 games played over the period using our facilities," said Mazibuko.
He said that since the tournament is hosted outside the FIFA window, all participating teams would be able to send their first team players which would be a major attraction.
Mazibuko said the South African national soccer team would use the event to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 which will take place in Egypt in June and July.
EThekwini municipality deputy city manager for economic development and planning Phillip Sithole said the event would be great for tourism saying May is usually a quiet month.
"The event will help generate interests for people to come to Durban, as well as promote tourism through the broadcasting of the events. It will all be good for the City," he said.
South Africa have played host to the the COSAFA Cup six times and won the tournament four times. Zimbabwe was supposed to host the tournament but the Zimbabwe Football Association failed to sign an agreement.
