CECAFA 2017
- 3rd – 17th December
- In Kenya (Machakos, Nakuru and Kakamega)
Zimbabwe Football Association has withdrawn from the 2017 CECAFA Challenge Cup citing insecurity in the host country, Kenya.
According to Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) website, the post election uncertainties have led their decision.
The withdraw statement reads in part;
Due to the security risk posed by the volatile situation in the host country, ZIFA has immediately suspended all preparations related to the commitment made earlier, to participate as a guest nation at this year’s CECAFA tournament.
ZIFA reiterates its commitment to fulfill all future tournaments and matches, provided the environment does not in any way risk the safety of participating teams.
The withdrawal from such a prestigious tournament is unfortunate for us, the team, the nation and the tournament organisers, but the association had to make the complex decision in the best interest of all involved.
ZIFA remains committed to its mandate of organising competitive matches for all national teams, at the same time ensuring the safety of everyone participating.
We are open to future similar engagements with CECAFA and other regional bodies because such tournaments afford national teams with invaluable competitive game time.
ZIFA unreservedly apologies to the tournament organizers, sponsors, the team, supporters and other stakeholders for all inconveniences caused by this sudden development.
We wish CECAFA the best in this year’s edition and future tournaments.
Zimbabwe had been drawn in the same group (B) as Uganda Cranes, the tournament record winners. Other Group B teams are; Burundi, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
The regional tourney kicks off on 3rd December and will run through to 17th December, 2017 in Kenya at three venues – Nakuru, Kakamega and Machakos.
CECAFA 2017 GROUPS:
- Group A: Kenya, Libya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar
- Group B: Uganda, Zimbabwe (Withdrawn), Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan
