Sanyatwe challenges other Member States to back COSSASA

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THE Minister of Sport Anselem Sanyatwe has commended Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa for taking part in the Confederation of Schools Sport for Southern Africa Games, while challenging other member States to come on board.

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.”

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 Sanyatwe, adding that this was good for regional integration as sport started at grassroots.

The Minister also 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.

Cossasa Games local organising committee member Arthur Maphosa commended Zimbabwe who came in as a last-minute replacement for both Lesotho and South Africa in July, after the two countries withdrew from hosting the annual event.

“For the past few days, Bulawayo has been more than a host city. It has been the home of Southern Africa’s school 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.