Babitseng unopposed for COSAFA presidency
Mqondisi Dube | Sunday May 3, 2026 13:24
Babitseng told MmegiSport that he had submitted his candidature and expects all 14 member nations to rally behind him.
If elected, he explained the focus will be to bring in more partners for the regional body, and ensure that the regional competition in rotated amongst member countries.
The COSAFA Cup for both men and women, has been hosted in South Africa over the years, with other members of the organisation failing to raise their hands to organise the flagship competition.
'We want to start with having more partners and rotate the COSAFA Cup (hosting) amongst members,' Babitseng said.
'We piloted with the Mukuru Four Nations tournament and it was members of the COSAFA that participated.'
The inaugural Mukuru tournament, held last month saw Botswana, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe compete.
Babitseng said the expectation is that his candidature will be backed by all COSAFA member countries.
'Elections by nature don't build but divide. There was a consensus that we show the world that as COSAFA, we are one unit. We want to show Arica that unity should prevail,' he said.
FIFA council members are expected to attend the COSAFA elective congress.
Meanwhile, Babitseng revealed they were still waiting for CAF on the way forward regarding the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations bid.
Botswana and South Africa submitted joint interest in hosting the tournament, with the likelihood of Namibia and Zimbabwe also being part of the process.
Morocco and Ethiopia are the other countries linked with an interest to host the 2028 edition. Botswana failed in its bid to host the 2027 tournament, which will be jointly organised by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.