From News Day

Zimbabwe had been talking to Zambia, but failed to get a favourable response after sending representatives to Lusaka last week for negotiations, while Botswana responded positively yesterday.

Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze confirmed the development.

“They have responded well and they are very keen. We are still working on the document for the bid,” Mashingaidze said.

The bids are due to be submitted next Tuesday to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) secretariat in Cairo, Egypt. Ghana and Algeria, who have both hosted the some Caf events in the past, are also interested, while Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda are also said to be considering joint bids.

In a letter to Zifa yesterday, Botswana Football Association chief executive officer Keith Masters wrote: “We are delighted that the Zifa would consider the Botswana Football Association (BFA) as a partner and our country as worthy co-hosts.

“Our federation has been exploring the possibility of a bid to co-host the Afcon 2017 finals since the call for applications was made by the Caf general secretary, and we, too, were considering an invitation to Zimbabwe.

“We must, of course, obtain full government backing and we are in the process of seeking undertakings and guarantees from the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture.

“I noted from our conversation earlier that you already have the backing and support of your respective government.

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