‘Rasta’ Highlights COSAFA CUP Importance

The Zebras crashed out of the group stages after finishing third. South Africa topped the group followed by Eswatini while both sides advanced to the semi finals of the competition. Speaking after the Zebras elimination at the hands of Eswatini, Kgengwenyane said the COSAFA cup is a very important event in the regional football calendar. He said he was happy that the organisers decided to bring the tournament back after missing out last year due to the outbreak of COVID-19. He further said the tournament helps shape the national teams in the region as they prepare for more bigger tournaments and qualifiers. “It prepares us for the forthcoming World Cup, AFCON and even CHAN qualifiers,” Kgengwenyane said.

Kgengwenyane took charge of the team ahead of the tournament after head coach, Adel Amrouche was granted leave of absence ahead of the end of his tenure. The two coaches have been preparing the team together before Amrouche left. On the loss to Eswatini, Kgengwenyane said he was happy with the way his charges applied themselves in the game despite the defeat. He said the tempo of the game was very high and it needed quality mediation in the middle of the park. “My players maintained a good performance even though we did not get the desired results,” he said. Eswatini coach, Dominic Kunene said their plan against the Zebras was to occupy the field correctly so that they could cut the passing lanes and stop Zebras from making forward passes.