Zimbabwe is talking to South African companies to assist in erection of giant screens in remote areas to screen live and delayed matches of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament that kicks off in June.

Tourism and Hospitality Management Minister Walter Mzembi said this during a meeting of an inter-ministerial taskforce set up to spearhead the country's preparations for the soccer showcase.

New Ziana quoted Mzembi on Friday saying the taskforce was tasked with connecting masses to the event, lure teams to camp in the country and to boost arrivals and subsequently earnings.

He said Zimbabwe had made significant strides to lure foreign teams into the country but declined to divulge finer details. Zimbabwe is eying to host Brazil, Germany and other European soccer teams during the month-long tournament.

More than 400,000 foreign fans are expected to descend on South Africa to watch the soccer games, with about 20,000 expected to visit Zimbabwe during and after the tournament.

Permanent secretary in the ministry Sylvester Maunganidze urged Zimbabwe to increase cooperation with South Africa to reap a windfall from the tournament.

"Funds permitting, we should have ministers visiting South Africa on a weekly basis to share and compare notes," he said.

He said there would be "no borders" during the tournament hence the need to ensure uniformity in products and services in the region.

South Africa required drivers, ushers and waiters to augment their services sector and Zimbabwe should seize the job opportunities, he said.

He said a team of technocrats to interface with South Africa would be created this week.

By Staff reporter and agencies