Mozambique in Cup bid...

The Nations Cup could be contested
in Mozambique in 2010


In BBCSport, Thursday, 19 May, 2005, 17:29 GMT 18:29 UK

Mozambique in Cup bid

By Mark Gleeson Football Correspondent

Mozambique may not be at the top of the African football tree but officials in the southern African country say they will formally bid to host the Nations Cup finals in 2010.

The Mozambicans also want to host the African under-17 championship in 2007 and the under-20 event two years later as part of an ambitious plan to revive the game.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has given the green light for a bid after extensive discussions with the Mozambican Football Federation (FMF).

FMF general secretary Manuel Monteiro Junior said a Nations Cup in Mozambique in 2010 would enjoy "perfect synergy" with the World Cup finals in neighbouring South Africa.

"We want the two junior tournaments before so that we identity talented personnel and iron out problems," Junior said.

"We have until 31 October to put in our formal bid for the 2010 Nations Cup and we will do all the paperwork in the coming weeks."

The capital Maputo and the second city of Beira would be the focal points of any bid.

Matches would also be hosted in other provincial cities like Pemba and Nampula, the home town of former Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz.

Mozambique is the first country to formally declare an interest to host the 2010 Nations Cup.

Zambia, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Algeria and Botswana are also thought to be considering bidding for the event.

Mozambique has produced some of Africa's some famous football figures in Eusebio and Mario Coluna but the national side has been in steady decline over the last decade. """