The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) ushered in a new era of leadership during its 2026 Elective General Assembly held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Sunday, 17 May, with Botswana’s Tariq Babitseng elected unopposed as the new COSAFA President.
Babitseng takes over from outgoing president Said Ali Said Athouman and will lead the regional football body alongside a newly elected Executive Committee tasked with advancing football development, governance and competitions across Southern Africa.
The Assembly brought together Member Associations from across the region, while CAF President Patrice Motsepe attended the gathering and praised COSAFA for the progress made in football development. CECAFA President Paulos Weldehaimanot was also present as a guest.
In his acceptance speech, Babitseng emphasized unity and collective growth within the region.
“This is the COSAFA that is going to stand united in everything we will be doing,” he said.
The newly elected president thanked Member Association leaders for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading what he described as Africa’s largest zonal union.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful for the trust that has been placed in me. This is not a victory for one person or one nation, but a victory for unity in Southern Africa,” Babitseng added.
He further stressed that cooperation among nations would be key to strengthening football in the region, saying no single association could succeed in isolation.
Babitseng also paid tribute to outgoing president Said Ali Said Athouman for providing stability during his tenure and acknowledged the support of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe in advancing African football.
Madagascar’s Alfred Randriamananampisoa was elected COSAFA Vice-President, while Zambia’s Dr Brenda Kunda secured the women’s representative seat on the Executive Committee.
Other members elected to the Executive Committee include Lijane Nthunya of Lesotho, Nqobile Magwizi of Zimbabwe, Robert Shimooshili of Namibia and Peter Simelane of Eswatini. South Africa’s Linda Zwane and Angola’s Irene Gonçalves were later co-opted onto the committee.
The newly formed Executive Committee will guide COSAFA’s strategic direction from 2026 to 2029 as the organisation continues efforts to strengthen football structures and development initiatives throughout the Southern African region.
The elections were conducted under the supervision of the COSAFA Electoral Committee in line with the organisation’s Electoral Code. Delegates at the Harare assembly also discussed the future growth of football in the region and reaffirmed their commitment to a shared vision for the game in Southern Africa.