Cosafa at 21

 

Published by Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

This year, the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) celebrates 21 years of the COSAFA Cup.

With the first tournament having been staged in 1997; the 2018 event will be staged in South Africa’s Limpopo province from May 27-June 9.

And for the first time will feature all 14 members of COSAFA, a massive celebration of football in the Southern African region.

Here we go on a trip down memory lane, as we look at how the tournament has unfolded.

1997 COSAFA CUP

Zambia were crowned inaugural champions of the COSAFA Cup after they claimed the 1997 event with top spot in the tournament mini-league. The maiden Southern African championship featured nine sides, including East African guests Tanzania.
The format saw ‘quarterfinal’ matches played, with the four victors in those joining Tanzania in a round-robin competition. Chipolopolo would finish top of the pool and ensure they were regional champions for the year.
Botswana hosted Malawi in the first ever COSAFA Cup game on March 1, 1997 and it took just three minutes for the first goal to be scored, Aaron Lesupi giving the hosts the lead from the penalty spot inside three minutes. But The Flames fought back after that and roared to a 4-1 success to book their place in the league phase.
Some 20 000 fans turned out the following day to watch Zambia down Lesotho 2-0 in Maseru, two goals within five first half minutes from Edward Kangwa and Mwape Miti good enough for Chipolopolo.
Mozambique star Adelino netted a hat-trick for The Mambas in their 4-0 quarterfinal win over Swaziland, while Namibia edged Zimbabwe 2-1 after extra-time with all three goals coming from the penalty spot!
Zambia ended the round-robin phase with eight points, followed by Namibia (six), Mozambique (five), Tanzania (three) and Malawi (two).

1998 COSAFA CUP

The 1998 COSAFA Cup saw the entry of South Africa and Angola for the first time, with the pair having missed the inaugural campaign due to their World Cup qualification commitments.
It was not a happy entry for Bafana Bafana though as they lost 3-2 in the first round to Namibia, a first-ever win for the Brave Warriors over their neighbours.
The other four quarterfinal matches went to form, Zambia advanced thanks to a 1-0 success in Malawi, while Zimbabwe eased past Lesotho 2-0.
Mozambique came from behind to win 2-1 in Botswana, Tico-Tico and Avelino with the goals, while Angola edged Swaziland 1-0.  That set up a five-team round-robin tournament between the remaining sides that started in April and ran through to September of that year.
Zambia again headed the table with eight points, followed by Zimbabwe (six), Angola (six), Namibia (five) and Mozambique (one).

1999 COSAFA CUP

The third installment of the COSAFA Cup was played in 1999 and for the first time was a knockout tournament from start to finish. There were once again 10 competing nations, Zambia and Zimbabwe handed byes through to the quarterfinals having finished as the top two in the previous year’s tournament.
Namibia won their place in the final after beating South Africa and Swaziland and took on Angola.
The final was played over two legs, with the first in Luanda settled 1-0 in favour of Angola after a penalty from Betinho.
Eliphas Shivute brought Namibia level in the second leg in Windhoek, sending the tie into extra-time. But a goal from Zico after 101 minutes handed Angola the first of their three COSAFA Cup titles to date.

2000 COSAFA CUP

The fourth instalment of the COSAFA Cup saw Zimbabwe claim a first ever title, one of four they would go on to win to date.  Seychelles and Madagascar had recently been inaugurated as COSAFA members, but not soon enough to be involved in this year’s competition as they were hindered by budgetary constraints.
Holders Angola looked to be heading for another final when Fabrice Akwa gave them the lead in their semi-final in Lesotho, but two goals in the final six minutes turn the match around for the hosts. Motlatsi Maseela and Teele Ntsonyana scored for them.
South Africa were then stunned 1-0 at home by a Kaitano Tembo goal for Zimbabwe and would have to wait another year for their first tournament win.  It set up a two-legged final between the Zimbabweans and Lesotho that was comfortably won by the former.
AN Eric Makara own goal and further strikes from William Mugeyi and Luke Petros gave Zimbabwe a 3-0 win in Maseru, before they won by the same margin in Harare in the second game. Luke Petros (penalty), Robson Chisango and Benjani Mwaruwari were on target on this occasion.

2001 COSAFA CUP

The fifth installment of the COSAFA Cup featured 11 Southern African countries and would again end in an Angolan victory, their second title.  Seychelles and Madagascar were missing once more as they battled with financial constraints, but all the usual big names were there to compete.
Zambia and Angola played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg of their semifinal in Lusaka that ended with a 4-2 penalty shootout win for Palancas Negras. Fabrice Akwa had given Angola the lead, before Chaswe Nsofwa equalised for Zambia.
Zimbabwe had an easier time in getting past Malawi, winning 2-0 as Edzai Kasinauyo and Maxwell Dube scored for them.  The final was also played over two legs, with the first in Luanda ending in a 0-0 draw. Angola edged the second match 1-0 thanks to an 87^thminute winner from Flavio amid scenes of great rapture.

2002 COSAFA CUP

South Africa won a maiden COSAFA Cup title in 2002, a tournament that also featured Madagascar for the first time. Seychelles were the only COSAFA member at the time who did not take part.  Malawi’s fine run through the tournament continued as they edged Zambia 1-0 in the semi-finals, Esau Kanyendawith the goal, this time from the penalty-spot.
And South Africa found their scoring form as they defeated Swaziland 4-1, Tebeho Mokoena (two), Jabu Pule (now Mahlangu) and Stanton Fredericks hitting the back of the net. The 2017 COSAFA Cup Legend Siza Dlamini got a consolation for the Swazis.
That set up a two-legged final that was comfortably won by South Africa in the end, their 3-1 win in Blantyre in the first match setting up the victory.  Patrick Mayo (two) and Jimmy Kauleza scored for South Africa, while Malawi responded with a Patrick Mabedi penalty.
The second leg was won 1-0 by Bafana Bafana, a late goal from Benedict Vilakazi ensuring the trophy was theirs for the first time.

2003 COSAFA CUP

Zimbabwe would claim their second COSAFA Cup title in 2003 with a deserved success in another fine tournament.  There were two tantalising semifinals, with Malawi defeated Zambia 4-2 on penalties in the first. Russell Mwafulirwa put Malawi ahead, but Sashi Chalwe equalised with a minute to go. The Flames held their nerve in the shoot-out.
A brace from Peter Ndlovu against Swaziland put Zimbabwe into the two-legged decider, which in the end was won comfortably by the Warriors. They claimed a 2-1 success in the first leg in Blantyre, Albert Mbano and Zvenyika Makonese putting them in command before Mwafulira pulled a late goal back. But the home leg was a 2-0 success in Harare a week later, Charles Yohane and Peter Ndlovu on the scoresheet.

2004 COSAFA CUP 

Angola became the most successful country in COSAFA Cup history at the time when they won the 2004 edition of the competition – their third and to date last title triumph.  It was achieved with a run of four successive victories, when they eventually defeated Zambia in the final on penalties.
Both semi-finals were tight affairs, with Angola edging Mozambique 1-0 in a battle of the Portuguese speaking nations. Flavio was on target for them.
Zimbabwe and Zambia played to a 0-0 draw in their tie that was eventually won 5-4 on penalties by Chipolopolo.  It set up just a single final meeting (previous years had home and away ties) in Lusaka that again would go to penalties, and Angola held their nerve to claim the victory and win 5-4.

2005 COSAFA CUP

The 2005 COSAFA Cup saw a change in format for the competition, with a group phase that comprised of three pools, each containing four sides.  The top teams in each section met in a semi-final, with the winner advancing to the final of the pool. The winners of the three groups then joined holders Angola in the semi-finals which, along with the final, was held in Mafikeng in South Africa.
Zimbabwe defeated Angola in their semi-final 2-1. Love put Angola in the lead, but the Warriors struck back with goals from Francis Chandida and Sageby Sandaka to advance. South Africa and Zambia played to a thrilling 2-2 draw before Chipolopolo advanced 9-8 in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.
James Chamanga and Chris Katongo put Zambia in control, before Bafana Bafana hit back thanks to goals from Lungisani Ndlela and the late Abram Raselemane.
There were no further goals and it was Zambia who held their nerve in the shoot-out.
Zimbabwe claimed their third COSAFA Cup title in the final though, with a Chandida goal late on handing them a 1-0 victory over the Zambians.

2006 COSAFA CUP

The 2006 COSAFA Cup followed the same format as the previous year, with three first round groups deciding who would join holders Zimbabwe in the semi-finals of the competition.   Zambia were also successful in their competition semi-final, defeating Botswana 1-0 thanks to a lone second half goal from Given Singuluma in Lusaka.
Angola booked their place in the final with an excellent 2-1 victory in Harare over Zimbabwe, Gazeta and Love scoring on either side of a strike from Francis Chandida for the home side.  That took the final to Lusaka, where Zambia eased to a 2-0 victory over Palancas Negras, Dube Phiri and Chaswe Nsofwa on target for them as they recorded their third COSAFA Cup triumph.

2007 COSAFA CUP

South Africa won the first of two successive COSAFA Cup titles in 2007, ending up victorious on home soil when they defeated Zambia in a penalty shoot-out in the final.   The semifinals were both held at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, where Noah Chivuta, Emmanuel Mayuka and William Njovu handed Zambia an easy 3-0 win against Mozambique.
Teko Modise gave South Africa a much more slender 1-0 success over Botswana.   The final was staged a week later in Bloemfontein and after a 0-0 draw, South Africa triumphed 4-3 on penalties to claim their second COSAFA Cup title.

2008 COSAFA CUP

The 2008 COSAFA Cup was a tournament of firsts and ended with hosts South Africa lifting the coveted trophy for the second time in succession, and third time overall.  It was the first time the tournament had been played as a single event, in one country and over a period of weeks. There was also a maiden appearance for the Comoros Islands, who had seen financial troubles scupper their hopes of appearing in the past.
The field for the event was also therefore extended to 14 teams, the most who had ever competed in the competition.  The semi-finals produced two more close encounters, with South Africa edging Zambia thanks to a goal from Lefa Tsutsulupa, while Mozambique were 2-1 winners over Madagascar.
Tico-Tico and Momed Hagy scored either side of a Praxis Rabemananjara goal for the Malagasy.
The final at the Thulamahashe Stadium was won 2-1 by South Africa, with Marchelino Fransch getting a brace. Nito scored late on for the Mambas, but it was to be the home side’s night.

2009 COSAFA CUP

Zimbabwe claimed a record fourth COSAFA Cup title when they won on home soil in 2009. The Warriors were worthy winners of the event that was staged in Harare and Bulawayo over two weeks.
The only member of the COSAFA nations missing from the tournament was Madagascar, who did not enter.
There was a huge semi-final meeting between Zimbabwe and South Africa that finished 1-1, Lennox Bacela giving Bafana the lead, before Phillip Marufu equalised for the home side. The match went to penalties and Zimbabwe held out for a 3-2 success.  Zambia beat Mozambique 2-0 in their semi-final Hichani Himoonde and Felix Sunzu on the scoresheet for Chipopololo.
The final in Harare was a hard-fought affair, but Zimbabwe eventually triumphed 3-1 thanks to goals from Nyasha Mushekwi (two) and Cuthbert Malajila. Henry Banda got a consolation for Zambia.

2013 COSAFA CUP

Zambia emerged as winners of the 2013 COSAFA Cup, a tournament they hosted, to join Zimbabwe on four victories in the regional championship.  The 13-team field included guest nation Kenya, who filled in after Comoros Islands and Madagascar chose not to participate. The format was the same as the 2009 event, with two first round groups, the winners of which advanced to the quarterfinals.
The semi-finals were also closely fought. Zimbabwe came from an early goal down to beat Lesotho 2-1. Motlalepula Mofolo had put Lesotho ahead, but Tendai Ndoro bagged a brace of goals to swing the game in Zimbabwe’s favour.  South Africa and Zambia could not be separated after 120 minutes and went to a penalty shoot-out that was eventually won by the home side 5-3.
It set up a repeat of the 2009 final, but this time Zambia ran out winners as Alex N’gonga’s excellent early goal put them on the front foot and Kabasa Chongo added a second late on to seal the win.

2015 COSAFA CUP

The tournament was staged in South Africa’s North West province and at long last produced a fifth different winner of the COSAFA Cup as Namibia claimed a maiden triumph.  And they did it the hard way, going through the first-round pool stages and then the knockout format to play six games in 14 days.
Namibia edged Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling semifinal in which Benson Shilongo had them 2-0 up, before Sarivahy Vombola scored twice in two minutes to level for the Malagasy. Peter Shalulile grabbed a winner seven minutes from time.
Mozambique won the other semifinal 2-1 as Isac and Parkim scored for them against Botswana, for who Omaatla Kebatho netted what proved to be a consolation.  Deon Hotto bagged a brace of goals in the final as Namibia triumphed 2-0, to set off wild scenes of celebration.

2016 COSAFA CUP

Following their win, the previous year, there was another ‘first’ for Namibia as they hosted the tournament as champions.  South Africa would join Zambia and Zimbabwe on four wins each as they defeated Botswana 3-2 in the final.
The South Africans hit form in their semi when they defeated in-form Swaziland 5-1 thanks to goals from Thabiso Kutumela, Lebogang Phiri, Menzi Masuku (two) and Judas Moseamedi. Veteran Tony Tsabedze scored a consolation for the Swazis.  Botswana booked their place in the final with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win over guest nation DR Congo after their semi finished 0-0.
South Africa profited from two penalties in the decider, both scored by Gift Motupa, while Kutumela for their other goal. Onkabetse Makgantai and Kabelo Seakanyeng netted for Botswana.

2017 COSAFA CUP

Zimbabwe claimed a record fifth COSAFA Cup title and did it in some style as well, scoring an impressive 19 goals in their six games on the way to the championship.
The matches were staged in Phokeng and Moruleng in South Africa’s North West province, with Zimbabwe starting in the first-round group stage and powering their way into the final, where they defeated ‘old enemy’ Zambia 3-1.   That includes impressive group stage victories over Mozambique (4-1) and Seychelles (6-0), in which Ovidy Karuru scored a hat-trick on his way to a record tournament total of six goals.
After beating Swaziland in the quarterfinals, Zimbabwe edged Lesotho 4-3 in a thrilling semi that will live long in the memory.   Zambia had also shown good form on their way to the final, but were no match for the rampant Zimbabweans, who netted goals via Knox Mutizwa, Talent Chawapiwa and Ocean Mushure.

Sasfa Schools Football a platform for development

SAFA aims to see about 5.3 million children involved in football within five years

 

By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

It is reasonable to argue that the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) is a bedrock of Youth Development and social cohesion in the country.

Sasfa has been in existence for the past 24 years.

But before this, Sasfa had to undergo a metamorphosis from unity stage when fragmented Schools Sport bodies from the previous order Education came together in 1994 to usher in Unity, Participation and Integrated Development under the aegis of the then United School Sport Association of South Africa (Ussasa).
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According to Sasfa, "Football was part of the 25 active sporting codes. With the demise of USSASA Mother Body, USSASA Football then had to undergo change and was later known as the SA Schools Football Association."

Sasfa says, schooling, learning and teaching become ineffective when the umbilical cord between academia and extra- mural activities is cut.

"The natural process of schools being the honing ground for the holistic development of the child loses meaning since it has been proven that an active body produces excellent results. It is on this basis that SASFA continues to be catalyst in fostering effective learning and teaching, promoting the culture of education through sport. The creation of sound school football programmes seek to assist in this regard.

The era we live in today necessitates that together as a collective work hand in glove in assisting our future citizens to be organised, responsible to work as individuals as well as part of a collective team. The skills that the child learns in the field of play are guaranteed to help them when they are adults. For example when they gather from various schools, bonds of friendships are cemented and maybe relied upon in the real world at a later stage."

The SA Schools Football Association runs a number of programmes that seek to introduce all children of South Africa to enjoy participating in organised football whether recreational, motor coordination, developmental, competitive and to keep fit.

The various partnerships that we have forged over the years have yielded positive and impact legacies for the participating schools and players alike. "We have witnessed the upgrading of infrastructure of class rooms, buildings, sports combos, upgrade of security systems and some even went on to purchase vehicles to ferry learners to school tours, games etc," Sasfa notes.

Sasfa is also very much proud of the history and relationship that it has fostered with SAFA, Department of Basic Education, Sport & Recreation South Africa, SASCOC, and Sasfa's commercial partners since inception being KFC for the KFC Cup; Cadbury for Chappies Little League; MTN for the MTN u/16 Cup; loveLife Games; Spur Masidlale.

Sasfa's current sponsors include Danone South Africa for Danone U/12; Nestle for Milo Champs u/13; McDonald’s South Africa for the SASFA McDonald’s U/14 School League; Coca – Cola South Africa for the Copa Coca – Cola U/15 Cup;  Metropolitan for the Metropolitan u/16 Cup and the Motsepe Foundation for the SANLAM Kay Motsepe Schools Cup.

Moreover, the association attests, through the above partnerships and collaborations, SASFA programmes have given an opportunity to play an active role to many educators that served as officials in administration and technical aspect of the game, learners as participants and match officials.

The lucky ones went on to ply their football skills in the National Junior Teams, PSL & NFD outfits some even made a mark in the various international tournaments and events.

Meanwhile, even though relations between Sasfa and the mother-body Safa may be at their lowest point, it still does not change the fact that a vision to develop football from grassroots is alive.

SAFA President, Dr. Danny Jordaan says their aim is to see about 5.3 million children involved in football within five years.

SASFA President, Mazibuko says, “People are talking and trying to mislead the country around the number of schools participating or that should participate. The truth is that we have 25 000 schools in the country. However, out of that number, there are not more than 6 000 high schools that participate in the development programmes.

He adds that not all of the 25 000 schools play soccer as there are those that play other sports such as rugby, cricket and hockey.

“You know, we don’t have girls’ leagues in the country or girls’ programmes in the schools, so you don’t use that as a ploy to say that Sasfa is not touching enough schools. What are you doing as a mother body to assist your ­associate member?” he asked, referring the question to Safa.

Since the election of the new SAFA executive in 2013, Sasfa and Safa have been doing battle over the running of schools football. With SAFA, the mother body, taking the decision to withdraw recognition of the former in 2015.

The matter is currently before the courts.

Speaking last October during the Copa Coca-Cola tournament in Bloemfontein, Sasfa president Mandla “Shoes” Mazibuko said the organisation was open and ready to work with Safa.

“There is no reason we can’t work with Safa. Whose ­interests are we serving if we are not working with Safa?” he asked.

“This is more about politics than what meets the eye, but, as far as we are concerned, we are working with everybody you see around here [at the tournament], including the departments of education and sports, stakeholders and the teachers’ union. There is no reason we should not work with Safa".

In 2003, the Chappies Little League, which was relaunched with a R3 million per year sponsorship by Cadbury, surpassed the initial target to register about 2 500 primary schools around the country and amassed 6 023 schools.
As a result of that early success, veteran sports sponsorship consultant Geoff Wald flew to London this week to register the tournament with the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest soccer tournament ever.
The current record-holder listed by the Guinness Book of Records is a tournament held in South Korea that drew 5 000 teams.
"The response by schools was overwhelming and it gives us courage to think what we can do to expand and cover almost every school-going kid in the country," said Wald.

SAFA Vision 2022: How South Africa Can Make It Work Better

The African Sun Times

February 19, 2018 

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By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

BAFANA BAFANA have missed out on the participation of CHAN 2018 and the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia to kick start on June 14 – July 15.

It is in that spirit that a proper and broad debate of Vision 2022 must be entertained.

According to the South Africa Football Association (SAFA), “Vision 2022 is a fundamental rebuilding of the structures of SAFA at all levels to create the conditions that will bring about the sustained international success of our national teams.

We have set our sights on a long-term development plan to achieve the goal of always being in the top 3 of the African rankings, and in the top 20 of the World rankings.

10% of the South African population must play football. Therefore, we need to redouble our efforts to: Launch a vibrant schools football programme; and Strengthen women’s football significantly.”

Since the days of Clive Barker, by far the best coach Bafana Bafana has ever had. Things have rather turned sour.

Further, the 1996 AFCON winning team, consisted of very experienced players who had achieved a lot in their careers prior to presenting the national team.

Hence, it was easier for Barker to motivate the team; this was on top of Barker’s tactical and technical prowess.

On the other hand, Barker’s track record as a top coach and the players were automatically and naturally inspired.

And remembering that also in 1996, Orlando Pirates became Africa’s most powerful club after securing the Africa Super Cup, and becoming the first southern African club in 1995 to win the prestigious African Champions Cup, at club level.

Not forgetting other Bafana Bafana achievements, like the silver medal in AFCON 1998, a bronze in 2000 and the African/Asian Cup glory in 1999.

Since 1994 – 1996, Barker won all the Four Nations tournaments we participated in.
After Barker was given the reigns. He quickly turned Bafana Bafana’s fortunes around. Barker establishing the team as an African powerhouse, easily topping their 1996 Nations Cup qualifying group in 1995.

Then South Africa were awarded the rights to host the 1996 tournament after initial hosts Kenya withdraw. Bafana Bafana went on to win the tournament on home soil, beating Tunisia 2-0 in the final.

In 1997 Barker ensured that South Africa would make their debut World Cup appearance for the World Cup 1998 which was hosted and won by France.

Barker was sacked in December 1997. And he missed out on an opportunity to defend his 1996 Nation Cup glory and also missed out on leading the team at its first World Cup in France.

But Barker’s achievements, had confirmed that South Africa had arrived, not only on the African stage, but internationally as well.

Also in 1996, Bafana Bafana, had been honoured by FIFA, with its FIFA Best Mover of the Year Award, signaling that South Africa was the best footballing country in the world in 1996.

During Barker’s reign of Bafana Bafana, South Africa was ranked NO 16 in the World and NO 1 in Africa. Today, they are NO 81 in the World and 18 in Africa.

Most soccer commentary has indicated that after Barker’s exit as the South African senior football men’s national team, the standard of Bafana Bafana went down from the days of Clive Barker at the helm.

Turning back to the current era, a lot has changed.

In fact, South Africa is not longer the most feared football nation in Africa as it once was.
These days, however, soccer commentators and experts regularly and correctly predict that South Africa would be knocked out in the groups stages of a tournament. That is if they manage to qualify for that tournament in the first place.

And they are spot on, since the departure of Barker as Bafana Bafana coach, South Africa has only qualified once, for the 2002 World Cup under, Carlos Queiroz, who by the way was sacked before the start of the 2002 World Cup.

In 2010, South Africa qualified for the World Cup as hosts. And again they were knocked out in the groups stages just like their two previous World Cup appearances.

Unlike many other former Bafana Bafana coaches with achievements to show; and who have had more than one spell with Bafana Bafana, Barker is the only coach not to be given another chance. The question is WHY?

Just days after Bafana Bafana’s early exit in the 1997 Confederations Cup, a caller in the Radio Metro, now METROFM, Sports Show alleged that some of the players were asked by certain SAFA officials to underperformed so that Barker could be discredited and fired.
And a big question that must be on top of the minds of South African soccer ‘gods’, is what is to be done to turn things around and make Bafana Bafana Africa’s most powerful footballing nation again?

The South African Football Association (SAFA), responsible for Bafana Bafana, now needs to find the same magic, and at least innovation shown by the then SAFA boss, the late great Solomon ‘Sticks’ Morewa, when Bafana Bafana became African champions.

A first by a southern African country. Zambia subsequently became the second southern African nation to lift the Nations Cup when they won the AFCON 2012.

Morewa was controversially sacked after suspicious findings during the Government appointed Pickard Commission. Morewa sacking would later prove too costly for Bafana Bafana and South African football at large.

To answer the question of making Bafana Bafana the best again:

# SAFA must understand that it beats the purpose of having a senior national men’s football team, when it boasts about the progress of the junior national teams, when Bafana Bafana are not progressing.

# SAFA has to see that this unbalanced performance scale would ultimately demotivate juniors; and, up and coming players from achieving their level best if they know that Bafana Bafana are not progressing but digressing from the 1996 AFCON glory.

# A more professional approach in appointing coaches, should be that all coaches appointed for the country’s national teams including women national teams, must be coaches that have won a FIFA/CAF recognized tournaments and/or awards.
In this case, Barker should make a return to the national team and be given the right to select his assistance coaches and technical team of his choice.

# The senior coach must be encouraged to appoint a professional technical staff, consisting of at least 15 qualified soccer experts with noteworthy achievements in the game either as player and/or coaches, inline with the international benchmarks.

These experts should also consist of former Bafana Bafana coaches, like Jomo Sono, Trott Moloto, Shakes Mashaba among others.

# Only the best performing players must do duty for the national team at all times, irrespective of how old a player maybe.

In other words, Bafana Bafana must never be a platform for developing players. Bafana Bafana must always be the ultimate benchmark for any South African footballer to aspire to play for.

Only the best performing players who are capable of producing a winning result must be allowed to play.

# Most importantly though, is that SAFA must in the process of re-igniting the most loved sport in South Africa, broaden and widely sell the programme, VISION 2022, to all corners of the country.

This would have to be backed by a mass national participation football educational and training programme at all levels of the game and complemented by multiple football tournaments nationally to give all players enough opportunity to develop and reach their full potential.

This must be a process that will get all football stakeholders and lovers, be it spectators, administrators, players, coaches, sponsors etc, to come back into the game on a fulltime basis.

And in the process take the beautiful game to the highest of levels.
This must be done for the sake of football and the nation.

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Varsity Cup part of SAFA Vision 2022

The African Sun Times

February 28, 2018 

by staff  

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By THANDISIZWE MGUDLWA

Vision 2022, of the South African Football Association (SAFA) is on top gear.

This comes after SAFA recently made it clear that the it is happy with the amount of football interest the Varsity Cup has brought over the past five years within Universities across the South Africa.

In 2016, the Varsity Cup was celebrating its fifth year in existence.

Last year, the 2017 Varsity Cup kicked off on 27 July 2017.

And in classical fashion, the University of Pretoria started poorly but recovered and marched all the way to the final where they beat the Tshwane University of Technology 2-0.

Matches were played every Thursday night.

And according to Dennis Mumble, SAFA CEO, the programme falls within the SAFA’s Vision 2022 spectrum.

Mumble however states that a lot needed to be done for university structures to be in full throttle, “As the football mother body, we are proud to endorse the Varsity Cup for a fifth year in a row, and we will continue to give them the support they need. There are a number of players who have represented South Africa internationally from these structures and this is one way for some of these players to showcase their talent, but a lot still needs to done for the tournament to be all inclusive,” said Mumble.

He adds, “I have followed the men’s version of the Varsity Cup and I am very impressed with the standard of football, the great marketing and especially the support that students are giving to football.

“I however think the same amount of dedication needs to be put into the female side of the game,” added Mumble.

The SAFA CEO further explains that the country needed to get to a point where women’s football is also seen in the same light as men’s football. “This will take each and every one of us in the country to ensure this happens. We need to grow this sport across the board,” said Mumble.

The Tshwane University of Technology will be looking to retain the title they won last season in what is expected to be a thrilling season.

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Castle Lager 5s kick starts South African leg

Thandisizwe Mgudlwa
Mar 13, 2018 03:57 PM

Soccer Laduma

The South African leg of Africa’s biggest 5-a-side tournament kicked off, this past Saturday.

The tournament was held at Old Parks Fast Sports Fusion 5-aside Arena, Gauteng province.

A total of 16 teams from across Gauteng pitched for the opening games.

The teams were split into 4 teams of 4 where they battled it out to the semi-finals.

The two winning teams of the day went through to the national tournament.

The tournament will take place at the Rand Show from Wednesday 4 – Saturday April 7, 2018.

Munchen Boys managed to secure themselves a place by scoring 6- 2 against the Carlitos making them the champions of the day.

And the Carlitos runner ups.

Both teams will be playing again at the finals.

To stand a chance of winning the South African five-a-side tournament. Teams need to compete in one of the remaining five qualifying tournaments being held in the run up to this year’s Rand Show.

Entry to the qualifiers costs R1 000.00 per team.

The tournament is dubbed, Africa’s biggest 5-a-side tournament.

It is played in six countries namely; Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland; Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Fans across the continent are afforded an opportunity to not only represent their country in a continental showpiece competition, scheduled from 1st of February to end of May 2018. But can also use their skills to score a trip to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The tournament is the first of its kind and is set to become the hub of where friendships will be created, nurtured and cemented on the football field.

Castle Africa 5s boasts the ultimate prize; with the winners walking away with an all-expenses paid trip to the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia accompanied by soccer legend Samuel Eto.

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COPA Coca-Cola seeks to produce millions of football stars

 

By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

Soccer bosses would do well to pay close attention to the COPA Coca-Cola tournament for the next generation of stars.

The competition is a global schools football development programme and in Africa it is fast grooming future football stars.

This initiative gives millions of young football fans the opportunity to come together and celebrate their passion for football.

Clapham Secondary School from Gauteng lifted the 2017 edition of the Copa Coca-Cola National Finals after beating North West-based Sol Plaatjie Secondary School in the final.

Pretoria-based Clapham, a Mamelodi Sundowns feeder school, eased their way into the final by beating the likes of St Francis 3-0, Moroka High School 5-0 and Luckhoff Secondary School 4-2.

The final, which was played at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Claremont, Durban, proved to be a tighter affair, with Clapham winning 1-0 against Sol Plaatjie.

Western Cape-based Luckhoff finished third, beating St Marks International School from Mpumalanga 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the third/fourth place play-off.

The top three schools walked away with R60 000, R30 000 and R25 000 respectively, with the intention that the money will be used to help develop sporting facilities in their regions.

Now in its third year, the campaign’s 'Which Part Will You Play' initiative sees ambassador Simba Marumo (a former Bafana Bafana international), together with a panel of football experts, visit all nine provinces in search of players that embody and represent the dynamic and unique roles needed to make up a successful team – The Rock, the Heart, the Perfectionist, the Rebel, the Joker, the Impossible, the Machine, the Artist, the Mastermind and the Legend.  Players fitting these characteristics are selected to form the ‘Which Part Will You Play’ All-Star team, and will be given the opportunity to play at the National Finals.

Phindi Phiri, Coca-Cola South Africa’s Marketing Assets Manager commented, “We at Coca-Cola are proud to continue supporting the development of youth football through initiatives like ‘Which Part Will You Play’. These initiatives allow us to identify and reward outstanding talent in the COPA Coca-Cola u15 Football Tournament. Congratulations to our ‘Perfectionist’, Kamogelo, who has received a great opportunity to be a part of an All-Star team that will play Bloemfontein Celtics Academy at the National Finals.”

The build up to the national finals also saw, Bastiaanse winning the Western Cape Provincial Finals of the 2017 edition of the COPA Coca-Cola U15 Football Tournament hosted by Coca-Cola, in conjunction with the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA), at the Robinvale Sports Ground in Atlantis, Cape Town, after beating Robinvale High School 2-0 in the final.

Dirang Kanatla Comprehensive High School from Khuma, have been crowned as the new COPA Coca-Cola North West champions after beating three strong regional champions in a round-robin competition, at Kloofview Primary School in Rustenburg, s coupple of days ago.
Dirang Kanatla, who displayed a clinical performance throughout that day and managed a clean sheet, which then join the champions from Gauteng, KZN, Eastern, Northern and Western Cape at the COPA Coca-Cola National Finals that take place from 28-30 September.

Roy-Keane Du Plessis, a talented striker from Robinvale High School was identified as The Machine and will join the ‘Which Part Will You Play’ All-Star team, representing the Western Cape province. Keane, the speedy and explosive attacker, was chosen after showcasing great ball skills and goal-scoring characteristics, as he propelled his team to a runners-up finish.

“I am truly excited to be going to the National Finals and meet up with other young talent from outside my province. I’m grateful for the continued support and encouragement from my teammates and coaches and I believe my school will bounce back strongly in the 2018 edition of the COPA Coca-Cola tournament. I can’t wait to meet my ‘Which Part Will You Play’ team mates”, said a delighted Du Plessis.

Progress Comprehensive High School boys from Osun State, Nigeria have won the 2017 edition of Copa Coca-Cola U-15 tournament and are now in full celebratory mood after weeks of hard won and tension-filled matches, with each players smiling home with N500,000 cash prize for Education Trust Fund.

The victory came after Osun boys defeated the Imo State boys at the National Final match played at the Onikan stadium, Lagos Island on Friday.

Osun State’s emergence as champions of this year’s edition of the tournament ended weeks of football matches that started with over 5000 schools and 110,000 players from across 36 states of the federation including the FCT.

Determined and focused all through the tensioned final match that ended in a 1-0 score line, both teams put up a strong spirited fight for the trophy and the mouth-watering education trust fund. In the end, it can be said that the better team won as the Osun boys pulled an ace from their hat with a narrow victory.

Patricia Jemibewon, speaking on the memorable day, the Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria, congratulated the 2017 Copa Coca-Cola champions for their outstanding performances in the tournament, stating that their hard work and team spirit earned them the victory.

“We are forever committed to unlocking the potentials of exceptionally talented teenagers because we believe in their passion.”

And captain of the winning team, Lawal Ismail, who was unable to control his happiness, shed tears of joy and declared that he was overwhelmed and grateful to Coca-Cola for the chance to participate in the tournament.

The second place winners, Owerri City College, Imo State, were given a reason to smile home after losing out on the precious trophy when each player received a cash prize of N300,000 education trust fund while Government Junior Secondary School, Katsina were also not left out of celebration with each player receiving cash prize of N200,000 education trust fund.

Other winners celebrated at the grand finale were best goalkeeper throughout the tournament, Moses Aluko of FOSLA Academy, Abuja, Most Valuable Player of the tournament, Adesina Kumater of FOSLA Academy, Abuja, and Highest Goal Scorer of the tournament, Henry Williams of Owerri City College, Imo, who will be joined by 5 other players to visit Copa Coca-Cola International Camp in South Africa later in the year.

Some weeks ago, Jinja Secondary School from Uganda won their first ever Copa national schools football title after overcoming 8 time winners, St Mary’s Kitende in a closely contested final played at the Masaka Recreational stadium before a capacity crowd.

Joel Madondo scored the opener for Jinja S.S before Kennedy Kasozi found the equalizer two minutes from full time and force the game into post match penalties.

Jinja S.S won 4-3 in the shoot out as they earned their first ever national schools football title.

The tournament record winners Kibuli S.S overcame Nakaseke International 1-0 to take third place and be guaranteed of a slot at this year’s East Africa Secondary school games that will be hosted in Gulu district by St Joseph College, Layibi.

And with over 1.3 million teenagers from more than 60 countries taking part. COPA Coca-Cola is now recognised internationally as the leading grassroots football programme in the world.

In addition, youngsters and football supporters are urged to support their teams. And they can also follow the action on social media using #COPACocaCola for news updates and results.

Stix Morewa Challenge should be spreaded nationally

Visionary:
Stix Morewa

Soccer Laduma

Mar 26, 2018 11:05 AM By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

It will be interesting to see if the Stix Morewa Challenge will be held in other parts of the country as it is growing every year.

Last October, Clinix Health Group, along with the Soweto Football Association (SFA), launched the 2017 Clinix Stix Morewa Soccer Challenge.

The event was attended by Dr KOP Matseke, CEO of Clinix Health Group, Dennis Mumble, CEO of the South African Football Association (SAFA), as well as Dr Robin Peterson, CEO of SAFA Development Agency. Representing the Morewa family was his son, Bobby Morewa.

The tournament ran from Sunday, 1 October to Sunday, 26 November – with the finals staged at the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto.

According to organisers, "this year will mark the 13th anniversary of the Soccer Challenge, that has been held in remembrance of Solomon ‘Stix’ Morewa. Not only was he once South African Football Association’s (SAFA) President, but he was also Clinix Health Group’s Marketing Manager before his passing. His belief that grass-roots football would help get children off the streets and encourage them to achieve their dreams is one of the reasons why Clinix Health Group began the Soccer Challenge."

The tournament has not only grown in stature but has also exposed new talent that is now playing in various Premier Soccer League teams and even for the South African Senior Men’s National Team, Bafana Bafana.

Last year there were over 56 teams playing in the men’s teams and 24 female teams (both open and under 15 teams) – which made it a total of 1200 teams.

Dr Khamane ‘KOP’ Matseke the CEO of Clinix Health Group and a close friend of ‘Stix’ Morewa is very enthusiastic about the Challenge.

Dr Matseke said, “Clinix has been hosting the Challenge over the last 13 years not only to celebrate a legacy but also to make sure that we help feed talent into SAFA and the PSL. Stix believed that football in South Africa could only be improved with tournaments such as this – in grass roots football where we find diamonds in the rough and help develop their talent,”

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