Zimbabwe will no longer host the 2019 COSAFA Cup which was set to start in May.

Cosafa had named Zimbabwe as the hosts for the tournament last and were only waiting approval from the government.

However, Minister of Sports Kirsty Coventry revealed on Monday that the tournament will not be held in the country. She said the move was not ideal for both the Zimbabwe Football Association and the country as the announcement was made at a short notice.

“It has been agreed that the deal was not good for both the country and Zifa, so we will not be hosting the Cosafa games this year,” Coventry told the reporters.

Zimbabwe last hosted the event in 2009 where they won the trophy after beating Zambia in the final.