Zimbabwe set for COSAFA Elective Congress

Zimbabwe will take centre stage in regional football governance this weekend when Harare hosts the COSAFA Elective Annual General Assembly on Sunday, 17 May 2026.

The Congress brings together Member Associations from across Southern Africa for an important gathering that will shape the leadership and strategic direction of the regional football body. According to COSAFA, the meeting will also be elective, with the voting process to be conducted by secret ballot under the supervision of the COSAFA Electoral Committee and in line with the COSAFA Electoral Code.

The significance of the occasion will be further underlined by the presence of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, who is expected to grace the Congress in Harare. His visit will mark his second trip to Zimbabwe in a month, having also attended the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals hosted in the country in April. His return is a strong reflection of Zimbabwe’s growing visibility within the continental football landscape and the country’s renewed engagement with regional and African football structures.

For Zimbabwe, the hosting of the Congress is both a privilege and a strong endorsement of the country’s renewed place within the regional football community. It comes at a time when ZIFA continues to strengthen its governance structures, deepen regional cooperation and reposition Zimbabwe as an active, credible and constructive participant in African football administration.

COSAFA confirmed that the final candidate list was approved following eligibility and integrity checks conducted by the Governance and Compliance Committee. A total of eight candidates successfully met the required standards for the 2026 Executive Committee elections. The positions of President, Vice-President and the reserved women’s seat are uncontested, while five candidates will contest four ordinary Executive Committee seats.

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi is among the candidates listed for the ordinary Executive Committee seats, alongside Lijane Nthunya of Lesotho, Robert Shimooshili of Namibia, Linda Zwane of South Africa and Peter Simelane of Eswatini. Other listed candidates include Oabile Thona Tariq Babitseng of Botswana for President, Alfred Randriamanampisoa of Madagascar for Vice-President, and Brenda Kunda of Zambia for the reserved women’s seat.

COSAFA Executive Director Sue Destombes said the regional body is ready to deliver a well-organised and credible Congress in Harare. “COSAFA is fully prepared for the Elective Annual General Assembly in Harare, and we are grateful for the cooperation and support received from ZIFA and all key stakeholders,” said Destombes. “This is an important moment for our region, and our focus is to ensure that the Congress is conducted professionally, transparently and in full accordance with the COSAFA statutes and electoral processes.”

The hosting of the Congress also reflects Zimbabwe’s growing involvement in regional football matters, following a period of institutional renewal and re-engagement. Harare’s selection as the venue provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe to welcome football leaders from across the region while showcasing the country’s commitment to football development, governance and collaboration.

Magwizi said hosting the Congress, especially at a time when the country continues to welcome major football leaders and events, is a proud moment for the Association and for Zimbabwean football. “It is a great honour for Zimbabwe to host the COSAFA Elective Congress in Harare,” said Magwizi. “This is not only a significant regional football event, but also a moment of pride for our country. The presence of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe further demonstrates the importance of this occasion and the confidence being shown in Zimbabwe as a football nation.”

Magwizi added that Zimbabwe values its relationship with COSAFA, CAF and fellow Member Associations across the region. “As ZIFA, we see this Congress as part of the broader journey to restore Zimbabwe football’s standing within the region and beyond,” he said. “Football development cannot happen in isolation. It requires cooperation, shared learning and strong regional partnerships. Hosting this Congress gives us an opportunity to reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to working with our neighbours for the growth of the game across Southern Africa.”

The COSAFA Elective Congress is expected to provide a platform for reflection on the region’s progress, while also setting the tone for the next phase of leadership, competitions, development programmes and institutional strengthening. For ZIFA, the event represents more than a formal administrative gathering. It is a moment that aligns with the Association’s broader journey of reform, professionalisation and renewed engagement with football structures at regional, continental and global level.

As delegates converge in Harare on Sunday, Zimbabwe will once again be in the regional football spotlight, not only as host, but as an active stakeholder in shaping the future of the Southern African game.

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