The organisers of the Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup have confirmed that Gqeberha will host this year's tournament.
Gqeberha last hosted the tournament in 2021 with Bafana Bafana emerging as champions after they overcame guests Senegal 5-4 on penalties.
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Zambia has won the last two competitions played in Durban.
Bafana will be aiming to join neighbours Zimbabwe on six titles, which will push them just one behind seven-time champions Chipolopolo.
"For the second year in a row the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup will kick-off with a clash between Eswatini and Botswana, though on this occasion it will be at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha as the June 26-July 7 tournament gets under way," reads a statement from the organisers.
"The fixture at 15h00 CAT is a repeat of last year's opener, where a goal from Lebogang Ditsele helped Botswana to a 1-0 win.
"Hosts South Africa will meet Mozambique in the second Group A clash at the same venue, which has a 18h00 kick-off.
"Zimbabwe return to the prestigious regional showpiece competition for the first time since 2021 and open their Group B campaign against Comoros on June 27 (kick-off 15h00).
"That match will also be at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
"There will be a heavyweight clash between record seven-time winners, and defending champions, Zambia when they take on East African guest nation Kenya on the same day at 18h00.
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"Kenya will be making their second COSAFA Cup appearance having debuted in 2013 when they went out in the pool stages."
The final is due to be played on July 7 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
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