Cosafa hold 2-day retreat in Pretoria

forward for the organisation.
Convened by its president, Suketu Patel, this high-profile working session was attended by all presidents or representatives of the 14 member associations, members of the executive committee and the Chief Operating Officer of Cosafa with the objective of realigning the goals and vision of this organisation in view of reasserting itself as a pioneer in the development of football at all levels in the Sadc region.
Among many issues discussed in this in two-day retreat was the desire bring to the more 157 million people of the region, an improvement in the standard of competition; the revival of some of the products such as the Senior Challenge, the Under-17 and the Women’s championships.
Other items on the agenda were improved communication and collaboration with the media, partners and stakeholders; and the promotion of unity and excellent relations among member associations.
Of the view expressed, one of the major talking points was the need to align Cosafa competitions with the Fifa calendar to allow for the various national sides to select stronger teams without having to battle clubs for the release of players.
It was also noted that Cosafa had won its long-standing battle of ownership of rights to organise the Senior Challenge, which now opens the way for a headline sponsor to become involved once again.
“Discussions with prospective sponsors are ongoing and with the long legal battle out of the way, an aspect which had always deterred sponsors from partnering with us, I am confident that sponsorship will be acquired,” Patel said.
Patel also acknowledged the efforts of Metropolitan, sponsors of the Under-20 tournament in the forwarding of the goals and ideals of football in the region.
“We already have, and are enjoying, a good relationship with Metropolitan, who are the sponsors of the Under-20 competition.
“Our involvement with Metropolitan during these past years has not only helped harness the football skills of our young players but has also impacted a sense of social responsibility on the players through the different life skills programs organised by Metropolitan during every Under-20 competition,” he concluded.
Tim Shongwe in his presentation for the need to improve the standard of competitions highlighted the need for sponsorship for the Cosafa Women’s Championship and the resurrection of the Under-17.