Libreville — A record number of seven venues could be used by South Africa for the hosting of next year's African Nations Cup finals, as the country seeks to utilise all the stadiums that were built for the World Cup.

Six venues were used for the 2002 Nations Cup finals in Mali but seven would be a record for the 16-team, three-week tournament.

Representatives from cities hoping to host games have travelled to both Gabon and Equatorial Guinea to view facilities and organisational operations.

Confederation of African president Issa Hayatou said: "I've told the South African delegation that is here in Gabon that if they want seven venues, they can have them. It will all depend on how they programme it.

"We understand the problem that South Africa has is that it wants to use all the stadiums that were built for the World Cup.

"But the country has the infrastructure and they can do so. For us it's not a problem," said Hayatou.

He said Nations Cup rules prescribed only a minimum of four venues. Most costs for the Nations Cup are borne by the host country and cities will be expected to pick up some of the organisational bill.

South African Football Association vice president Mandla Mazibuko said in Libreville they were negotiating with CAF over a share of the profits from the tournament.

Nelspruit, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth and Rustenburg are likely to host the bulk of the matches with the opening game and final at Soccer City, Johannesburg. Semi-final matches could be held in Durban and Cape Town, according to a preliminary SAFA plan.

Three other venues used in 2010 - Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Ellis Park in Johannesburg - are not being considered as they are essentially rugby stadiums.

CAF have told SAFA the dates for the Nations Cup in 2013 must be between January 15 and February 15. South Africa can make recommendations but a firm date should be settled by March.

The qualifiers for the Nations Cup will be completed by October and the draws for the finals held just days later.