Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube [email protected]
THE Minister of Sport Anselem Sanyatwe has challenged other member States to come on board and join the Confederation of Schools Sport for Southern Africa (Cossasa) Games.
He said this at the close of the 2026 Games hosted by Zimbabwe in Bulawayo at White City Stadium yesterday.
Addressing the media, the Minister, who was the guest of honour, said it was encouraging that there were five countries that took part in the event,
Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa took part in the Games that started on Monday and ended yesterday, heralding a new chapter for champions and future regional representatives at the global stage if nurtured well.
“It is very encouraging that we have five member States taking part in the Cossasa Games.
“We do encourage other member States to come on board so that it reflects the regional grouping of Southern African States,” said Minister Sanyatwe.
He praised the spirit under which the Games were conducted.
“Basically, the Games were played in the spirit of goodwill, in the spirit of togetherness, in the spirit of unity of purpose; these Games are indeed a unifying factor in the region, bringing together young children from secondary schools and primary schools to come together,” said Minister Sanyatwe, adding that this was good for regional integration as sport started at grassroots.
The Minister handed over medals to winning teams at the end of the events, in which the football match between Zimbabwe and Lesotho in the boys’ Under-17 category was the last competition of the Games.
The match turned out to be a one-sided clash with the hosts dominating proceedings for the better part of the match.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Cossasa Games president Arthur Maphosa commended Zimbabwe who came in as a last-minute replacement for both Lesotho and South Africa in July after the two countries for hosting the annual event.
“For the past few days, Bulawayo has been more than a host city. It has been the home of Southern African schools sport. And what we have witnessed here has been truly remarkable.
“Let me place on record our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for hosting the Cossasa family. Zimbabwe has demonstrated that hosting a regional sporting event is not simply about providing venues. It is about hospitality. It is about organisation,” said Maphosa.
He said what was also critical was that Zimbabwe created an environment in which young people competed and learnt about building friendships.
He commended Minister Sanyatwe for turning up, saying his presence had encouraged athletes and strengthened the Cossasa family.
Also acknowledged was the Minister for Provincial Affairs, Judith Ncube, whose Metropolitan Province embraced the Games.
Cephas Mutume described the Games as having sailed smoothly.
Mutume is the president of the National Association of Secondary School Heads and headed the local organising committee.
South Africa won 42 gold medals in athletics, adding 33 silver and 27 bronze to win the 2026 Cossasa Games.
Zimbabwe finished second with nine gold, 20 silver and 16 bronze with Namibia third with four gold, two silver and eight bronze.
