COSAFA return could unlock more tournaments
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday August 21, 2026 10:31
The CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers, which got underway yesterday, mark the regional football body’s return to local shores for the first time since 2011. The games have provided the country with an opportunity to showcase its capacity to host international competitions. The tournament runs until August 29 at the GU Stadium, with eight clubs from across the COSAFA region competing for a place at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals to be held later this year.
For Botswana Football Association (BFA) and COSAFA president Tariq Babitseng, hosting the competition is about more than the 10 days of women’s football.
“This is about more than simply hosting a football tournament. It is about opening doors for the Botswana Football Association,” he said.
Babitseng added that the tournament provides the country with an opportunity to demonstrate its infrastructure and organisational capabilities to continental and international partners.
“Hosting this competition in Botswana demonstrates that the country has the capacity, infrastructure, and organisational competence to host international football,” he said.
Babitseng believes a successful tournament could strengthen Botswana’s case to host future COSAFA, CAF and other international competitions.
“It creates an opportunity for us to build the confidence amongst our continental and international partners, and importantly to position Botswana for future COSAFA, CAF and other international competitions,” he said.
The National Stadium’s recent confirmation as a CAF Category 3 venue has further strengthened the country’s hosting credentials.
For her part, COSAFA executive director Sue Destombes said the regional body was pleased to return to Botswana after such a long absence and hoped the qualifiers would not be a one-off.
“We really hope that this is going to be the first of many to come, whether it’s this tournament, whether it’s other tournaments,” she said.
Destombes believes COSAFA’s return had opened the door for regular visits to Botswana, which could benefit both football and the wider community.
The regional body is also seeking to leave a legacy beyond the pitch, with workshops and capacity-building programmes covering refereeing, safeguarding, medical services, safety and security, as well as scouting.
Interim BFA CEO, Bathusi Rathari said extensive preparations had gone into ensuring the tournament runs smoothly.
He noted that logistics, accommodation, transportation, security, media, and match operations amongst the areas addressed.
Babitseng also highlighted the wider economic benefits of hosting the competition, including opportunities for local businesses, hospitality, and tourism operators.
For Botswana, therefore, the qualifiers present a test that extends beyond the football pitch.
A successful 10 days could strengthen the country’s credentials as a host and, potentially, unlock the door to more international tournaments.