adminFungai Muderere
WE are a few weeks away from Southern Africaa��s prestigious Cosafa Castle Cup contest where its 20th edition will be staged in South Africaa��s North West province from 25 June to 9 July. The 14-team field was completed last week and with a fantastic line-up that is mix of styles, football lovers from across the African continent can look forward to the best of Southern Africa going head-to-head, with guest nation Tanzania adding some East African flair.
Here are some of the countries taking part.
Angola
Angola brought a very young side to the 2016 Cosafa Castle Cup but will return this year to try and add another title to the three they have already won. The Palancas Negras are one of the powerhouses of the region and will be among the favourites given the experience gained in Namibia.
Botswana
Botswana completed their best ever showing at the Cosafa Castle Cup in Namibia last year when they lost to South Africa in the final in Windhoek. Their previous best was when they won the bronze medal in back-to-back tournaments in 2006 and 2007. Expect them to be challengers again.
Lesotho
Lesotho are among the smaller nations in the Cosafa Castle Cup but have often punched above their weight before, having made the final in 2000 and last year been among the most impressive performers in Namibia. They lost in the Plate semifinals there, but impressed with their adventurous style of play.
Madagascar
Madagascar were among the most entertaining sides to watch at the 2015 Cosafa Castle Cup, but could not build on that in 2016 and exited in the first round. They are a side packed with talent and will once again rely on the goals of 2015 Golden Boot winner, Sarivahy Vombola.
Malawi
Malawi appeared in the Cosafa Castle Cup final in both 2002 and 2003, but lost to South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively to deny The Flames a first ever Southern African championship. They are a team that is always competitive and will be seeking another big scalp in this yeara��s competition.
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Online Reporter