Zimbabwe has withdrawn participation at this year’s CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup to be held in Kenya.

In a statement on Zimbabwe Fooball Federation Association (ZIFA) website on Wednesday, the football body cited security risks in the host country as the main reason for withdrawal.

“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,” the Zimbabwean Association said in a statement.

Zimbabwe team had been drawn in the same group as Uganda,Burundi, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

The tourney kicks off on 3rd December to 17th December, 2017 in Kenya with host cities being Nakuru, Kakamega and Machakos after two yearsof absence.