SAFA and COSAFA find common ground on hosting of tournaments

SAFA and regional football body COSAFA on the Southern side of Africa have smoked the peace pipe.

This after they sat down to discuss and sort out their differences regarding the issue of hosting future COSAFA tournaments in the country.

SAFA had previously voiced their displeasure with COSAFA for hosting most of their tournaments in SA without any bids going through.

The COSAFA Cup has been held in SA at different venues. King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium and the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue Nelson Mandela Bay were recently used.

SAFA SLAMS COSAFA FOR HOSTING OF TOURNAMENTS

According to the SAFA National Executive Committee [NEC], COSAFA were breaching their own statutes by not giving other countries in the region a chance to host tournaments.

And in a bid to clear what they described as a “misunderstanding,” COSAFA held a meeting with SAFA most recently.

According to a statement released by the regional football body, the meeting was “fruitful and productive”. They were able to find common ground. 

“The South African Football Association [SAFA] and COSAFA held a fruitful and productive meeting on Wednesday to find common ground on the hosting of future COSAFA tournaments in South Africa,” read the statement.

“The meeting was constructive in unpacking any differences and misunderstandings which may have arisen relating to the bidding for and hosting of COSAFA events.

“Those misunderstandings have been ironed out through transparent. And open discussion and an agreement on a new way forward has been reached.

SAFA AND COSAFA REACH COMMON GROUND

“Common ground and a way of working together into the future through collaboration between the two organisations has been established. This positively impacts tournaments already set into the COSAFA calendar. As well as future events, wherever they may be held.”

Furthermore, COSAFA indicated that they will be releasing another statement. It will be made public after their upcoming General Assembly about bids from their members for different international events.

“Various members of COSAFA are currently bidding for major international events such as the 2025 AFCON (Zambia), 2027 AFCON (Botswana). And 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup (South Africa).

“This is a matter that will be discussed. And dealt with at the upcoming COSAFA General Assembly. And also a statement will be released at a later date.”

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