NQOBILE Magwizi, president of the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa), has been elected to the executive committee of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa).
The development was confirmed following elections conducted during the Cosafa congress held in Harare yesterday.
The Cosafa electoral committee oversaw the election process in accordance with Article 15.3 of the Cosafa statutes and the Cosafa electoral code.
In the main leadership vote, Oabile Thona Tariq Babitseng, president of the Botswana Football Association, was confirmed as the new Cosafa president, while Madagascar’s Alfred Randriamanampisoa was elected vice-president. Brenda Kunda of Zambia secured the women’s seat on the executive committee.
Magwizi joins a group of ordinary executive committee members tasked with steering the regional football body. The other elected members are Lijane Nthunya of Lesotho, Robert Shimooshili of Namibia, and Peter Simelane of Eswatini.
South Africa had initially fielded Linda Zwane for one of the executive committee positions but withdrew the candidature ahead of the vote.
As a result, Magwizi and the other ordinary executive committee candidates stood uncontested and were confirmed by acclamation, along with the rest of the leadership positions.
Following the voting process, Zwane and Angola’s Irene Gonzalez were later co-opted onto the executive committee.
- Inside sport: It’s back to square one
- Dynamos under the spotlight in Nakamba tourney
- ZIFA FRETS OVER FIFA RECOGNITION
- Inside sport: It’s back to square one
Keep Reading
The new leadership assumes office at a time when Cosafa is intensifying efforts to strengthen youth development, women’s football, regional competitions, and institutional cooperation across Southern Africa.
Speaking after his election, Magwizi hailed the spirit of unity at the congress and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional football development.
“This congress has once again demonstrated the spirit of unity and shared purpose that exists within Southern African football,” Magwizi said.
“We congratulate the new Cosafa leadership and reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to working together with all member associations for the growth of the game in our region. Regional cooperation remains critical in developing football, creating opportunities for young players, and strengthening our institutions.”
Newly elected Cosafa president Babitseng also expressed gratitude to member associations for the confidence placed in him.
“This is a responsibility we accept with humility and commitment,” Babitseng said. “Our duty now is to continue building stronger structures, stronger competitions, and greater opportunities for football development across the region.”
The Harare congress drew several key figures from African football, including Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football. Discussions focused on governance, development, and the future of the game on the continent.
