On loan Kaizer Chiefs defender Xolani Cossa is making the most of his time in Botswana and feels he made just the perfect move for his development.
Cossa, who previously captained the Amakhosi DStv Diski Challenge [DDC], turns out for Botswana Premier League side Black Lions.
The young defender faced a challenging pathway into the senior squad due to the emergence of players like Aden McCarthy and the presence of Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross in the left centre-back position.
Recognising this, the Soweto giants orchestrated the loan spell to fast-track Cossa’s development through competitive senior football. The 21-year-old joined Black Lions at the start of the season, where he is playing under the guidance of veteran South African coach Owen Da Gama.
Under Da Gama’s tutelage, Cossa has quickly established himself as a leader within the Gaborone side’s dressing room. Testament to his influence and performance, the left-footed centre-back was recently handed the captain’s armband for Black Lions.
โBotswana is a great place to be,โ Cossa told FARPost. โI have been received well, and Iโm happy to be part of the project. I want to do more for the club,โ he stated, stressing his commitment to the Black Lionsโ cause.
HOW XOLANI COSSA IS FINDING BOTSWANA
The KwaThema-born star believes the competitive nature of the Botswana league is providing him with the crucial experience he needs to grow as a player.
โThe move from DDC to Botswana has been beneficial because the league is physical and very competitive,โ Cossa explained. โThe league is becoming better with each passing day. I feel I took the best move to gain more experience, momentum and become a better player.โ
His assessment of his Lions teammates is equally positive, and he believes they can finish in the top eight. Lions, who purchased the status of VTM ahead of the 2025/26 season, are currently 10th on the table, having played 13 games.
They have won three, drew four and lost six.
โMost of my teammates can play in the PSL, but they must push. We have a great team, and weโll compete in the league. I think we can finish in the top eight.โ
Reflecting on his time at Naturena, Cossa credited the Soweto clubโs development structures for instilling key professional qualities. Da Gama has spoken highly of the left-footed defenderโs professional conduct.
While currently focused on Lions, he has a clear view of his future in the Betway Premiership, expressing happiness for his former DDC teammates McCarthy and Khulumani Ndamane, who have made the step up to professional football. Ndamane, who is in his second season with TS Galaxy, has also broken into coach Hugo Broosโs Bafana Bafana.
โIโm happy for them because theyโve taken their chance, my time will come. I am ready. I will come back and fight for my place. Iโve gained more knowledge here in Botswana.โ
Prior to his move to the neighbouring country, Cossa secured a professional contract with Kaizer Chiefs, underscoring the club’s long-term faith in him. He remains determined to return to Naturena and fight for his place.
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