Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi has been elected to the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) executive committee following polls held in Harare on Sunday.
The COSAFA Electoral Committee oversaw the elections in accordance with Article 15.3 of the COSAFA Statutes and the COSAFA Electoral Code.
Botswana Football Association president, Oabile Thona Tariq Babitseng was elected the new COSAFA president, while Alfred Randriamanampisoa of Madagascar was voted in as vice-president.
Zambia’s Brenda Kunda retained the Executive Committee Reserved Women’s Seat.
The elected ordinary Executive Committee members are Lijane Nthunya of Lesotho, Nqobile Magwizi of Zimbabwe, Robert Shimooshili of Namibia, and Peter Simelane of Eswatini.
South Africa had initially fielded Linda Zwane for the position of Executive Committee member, but later withdrew the candidature ahead of the vote. Following the elections, Zwane and Angola’s Irene Gonzalez were co-opted into the COSAFA Executive Committee.
Speaking after the elections, Magwizi described the outcome as a positive step towards strengthening regional football cooperation.
“This Congress has once again demonstrated the spirit of unity and shared purpose that exists within Southern African football. We congratulate the new COSAFA leadership and reaffirm Zimbabwe’s commitment to working with all Member Associations to grow the game in our region.
“Regional cooperation remains critical in developing football, creating opportunities for young players and strengthening our institutions,” he said.
The Harare Congress brought together football leaders from across Southern Africa and the African continent, including Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe.
Deliberations during the congress focused on football governance, development programmes, and the future of the game in the Southern African region.
New Ziana
