Magwizi Elected Into COSAFA Executive Committee As Zimbabwe Hosts Major Football Congress
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi has been elected into the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Executive Committee following the regional body’s elective congress held in Harare on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
The development came as Zimbabwe hosted football leaders from across Southern Africa, including Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe, during what ZIFA described as a key moment in the country’s football re-engagement efforts.
Magwizi was elected as one of four Executive Committee members during the COSAFA Congress, joining representatives from Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini.
Botswana’s Oabile Thona Tariq Babitseng was elected COSAFA president unopposed, while Madagascar’s Alfred Randriamanampisoa was chosen as vice president.
Magwizi Speaks On Zimbabwe’s Football Rebuilding Drive
Speaking during the congress in Harare, Magwizi said the gathering reflected growing confidence in Zimbabwean football.
“For Zimbabwean football, this occasion carries great meaning. It is another important step in our journey of re-engagement, rebuilding and restoration,” said Magwizi.
“It reflects the growing confidence that the regional and continental football family continues to place in Zimbabwe, and it encourages us to continue working with discipline, unity and purpose.”
Magwizi also thanked COSAFA, CAF, FIFA and the Government of Zimbabwe for supporting football development in the country and the Southern African region.
The congress attracted football administrators, presidents and senior officials from across the continent. FIFA Council member Kanizat Ibrahim also attended the event and addressed delegates on governance, women’s leadership and sustainable football development.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe said football remained a powerful force for unity.
“Football remains one of the most powerful instruments of unity on our continent,” said Sanyatwe.
“It brings people together across borders, cultures and generations. It carries hope, identity, pride and opportunity. For that reason, we do not take lightly the privilege of hosting this gathering of Southern African football leadership.”
Motsepe Delivers Message To Southern African Football Leaders
CAF president Motsepe used the Harare gathering to stress the importance of unity and strengthening football structures across Africa.
“CAF isn’t in Cairo, but it resides in the 54 Member Associations of Africa,” said Motsepe.
According to ZIFA, Motsepe’s address focused on leadership, responsibility and collective progress within African football.
The CAF boss also acknowledged the role regional bodies such as COSAFA continue to play in developing football structures and opportunities across the continent.
In one symbolic moment during the congress, Magwizi presented Motsepe with Zimbabwe’s Warrior Pride jersey.
ZIFA said the gesture celebrated Zimbabwe’s football heritage and reflected appreciation for CAF’s continued support for football development.
Harare Hosts Regional Football Leaders
The congress also discussed governance, youth football, women’s football and commercial growth opportunities within the Southern African region.
ZIFA said the successful hosting of the congress added to a growing list of major football events Zimbabwe has staged in recent months, including the CAF African Schools Football Championship continental finals.
Delegates also reviewed COSAFA activity reports and audited financial statements as part of broader accountability and governance processes.
South Africa’s Linda Zwane and Angola’s Irene Gonzalez were co-opted into the committee, while Zambia’s Brenda Kunda secured the reserved women’s seat.
As delegates departed Harare on Sunday, Zimbabwe’s hosting of the congress was widely viewed as another significant football engagement for the country’s sporting calendar.
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