Southern Africa launch joint bid to host 2028 AFCON

New COSAFA President Tariq Babitseng has confirmed that South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe have submitted a joint bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Babitseng, who was elected unopposed as COSAFA President in Harare on Sunday, revealed that securing the continental showpiece for Southern Africa will be a key objective during his tenure.

The 2028 tournament is expected to be the last AFCON before the competition transitions into a four-year cycle, adding greater significance to the hosting race.

Southern Africa has had limited opportunities to stage Africa’s flagship football tournament, with South Africa hosting in 1996 and 2013, while Angola organised the 2010 edition.

The 2027 finals are scheduled to be staged jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, following recent editions in Cameroon (2021), Ivory Coast (2023) and Morocco (2025).

Babitseng believes the regional rotation strengthens Southern Africa’s case to host the tournament.

“I can confirm that the Botswana FA, South African FA, Namibia FA and Zimbabwe FA have put in a joint bid to host the AFCON 2028,” Babitseng said.

“We submitted on time for us to host the tournament in Southern Africa.”

According to Babitseng, the move aligns with the vision of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, who has encouraged football zones across the continent to host major competitions.

“The President of CAF has encouraged the zones to host competitions,” he explained. “The 2021 AFCON was in Cameroon, then Ivory Coast, then Morocco and now Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, so we have put in a bid for COSAFA to host so that all the regions can be covered.”

Babitseng outlined a shared-hosting model under the proposed bid, with matches spread across the four countries should they secure hosting rights.

“The intention is, for example, for Zimbabwe to host one or two groups, Botswana maybe one group and a semifinal, Namibia the same,” he said.

“That will be discussed if we get the tournament, but the largest chunk will be in South Africa.”

He expressed confidence in the region’s readiness, citing its transport systems and sporting infrastructure as major strengths.

“We have the transport routes and the infrastructure in Southern Africa to host a successful tournament,” Babitseng added.