Zimbabwe Successfully Hosts COSAFA Congress

Football leaders from across Southern Africa and the wider African football family converged in Harare on Sunday as Zimbabwe successfully hosted the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Congress, a landmark gathering that further reinforced the country’s growing re-engagement with regional and continental football leadership.

The Congress brought together presidents, general secretaries and senior football administrators from COSAFA Member Associations alongside high-profile guests from CAF and FIFA, led by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA Council Member Kanizat Ibrahim.

Hosted under the leadership of Nqobile Magwizi and the Zimbabwe Football Association, the Congress focused on key governance, administrative and developmental matters affecting football in the Southern African region.

For Zimbabwe, the successful hosting of the Congress represented more than a football administration gathering. It was another significant moment in the country’s continuing efforts to rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships and restore its standing within the international football community.

In his welcome remarks, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi described the occasion as an important milestone for Zimbabwean football and a reflection of the trust being placed in the country by regional and continental football leadership. “For Zimbabwean football, this occasion carries great meaning. It is another important step in our journey of re-engagement, rebuilding and restoration,” said Magwizi. “It reflects the growing confidence that the regional and continental football family continues to place in Zimbabwe, and it encourages us to continue working with discipline, unity and purpose.”

Magwizi also paid tribute to COSAFA, CAF, FIFA and the Government of Zimbabwe for their continued support towards the growth and development of football in the country and across the region.

The Congress was officially addressed by COSAFA President Said Ali Said Athouman, who spoke on the importance of regional unity, collaboration and collective development in Southern African football.

FIFA Council Member Kanizat Ibrahim also addressed delegates, emphasising the importance of strong governance structures, women’s leadership and sustainable football development across African Member Associations.

Representing the Government of Zimbabwe, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting football development and using sport as a vehicle for unity and national development.

“Football remains one of the most powerful instruments of unity on our continent,” said Lt. General (Rtd) Sanyatwe. “It brings people together across borders, cultures and generations. It carries hope, identity, pride and opportunity. For that reason, we do not take lightly the privilege of hosting this gathering of Southern African football leadership.”

The Minister commended COSAFA, CAF and FIFA for their continued efforts towards football development on the continent while also applauding Zimbabwean football stakeholders for the progress being made in rebuilding the local game.

One of the key highlights of the Congress was the address delivered by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who reiterated CAF’s commitment to strengthening football across all Member Associations and emphasised the importance of unity within African football.

Speaking before delegates in Harare, Motsepe delivered a message centred on leadership, responsibility and collective progress. “CAF isn’t in Cairo, but it resides in the 54 Member Associations of Africa,” said Motsepe.

The CAF President’s remarks resonated strongly with delegates as he highlighted the importance of empowering national associations and ensuring football development reaches communities across the continent.

Motsepe also acknowledged the role being played by regional bodies such as COSAFA in strengthening football structures and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration among Member Associations.

In another symbolic moment during the Congress, Magwizi presented Motsepe with Zimbabwe’s Warrior Pride jersey, a gesture that reflected both Zimbabwean football identity and appreciation for CAF’s continued support towards the growth of the game on the continent.

The presentation of the Warrior Pride jersey also served as a celebration of Zimbabwe’s football heritage and the country’s renewed energy around the national game.

Throughout the Congress, Harare became a hub of football dialogue and engagement as delegates participated in discussions shaping the future of football administration and development in Southern Africa.

The successful hosting of the gathering added to a growing list of major football events and engagements Zimbabwe has hosted in recent months, including the CAF African Schools Football Championship continental finals and regional youth competitions.

For ZIFA, the Congress also highlighted the Association’s continued focus on governance, professionalism and rebuilding confidence among stakeholders both locally and internationally.

The presentation of the COSAFA activity report and audited financial statements formed part of broader efforts to promote accountability, transparency and institutional strengthening within regional football structures.

Delegates also used the occasion to exchange ideas on football development, youth structures, women’s football, governance and commercial growth opportunities within the region.

Beyond the formal proceedings, the Congress provided an important platform for strengthening relationships among football leaders and reaffirming the shared commitment to growing the game across Southern Africa.

Zimbabwe’s hosting of the Congress was widely viewed as a successful demonstration of the country’s ability to organise and facilitate high-level football engagements while showcasing its hospitality and passion for the game.

As delegates departed Harare, the occasion left behind more than resolutions and reports. It reinforced football’s enduring ability to unite people, strengthen relationships and inspire collective progress across the continent.

For Zimbabwean football, it was another visible sign that the nation continues moving forward with renewed purpose, growing confidence and a determination to contribute meaningfully to the future of African football.

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