‘Celebrate friendship, unity and development at Cossasa Games’

Lovemore Dube [email protected]

ARTHUR Maphosa, the Confederation of Schools Sport for Southern Africa (Cossasa) Games president says the on-going championships in Bulawayo, should be a celebration of friendship, unity and development.

Maphosa said this yesterday at White City Stadium at the official opening of the 2026 Games.

Five countries, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, are taking part in athletics, netball, soccer and volleyball.

Maphosa said the athletes must not only celebrate success on the field but ought to do that beyond the pitches and savour friendship, unity and development prompted by the hosting of the tournament.

“Let us celebrate not only competition, but friendship, unity and the development of our young people through sport,” said Maphosa.

The Games are being held under the theme: “One Region! One Spirit! One Champion!”

Zimbabwe stepped in to save this year’s championships, probably Maphosa’s last as head of the regional grouping.

Zimbabweans concurred that it would be an honour for Maphosa to exit with Zimbabwe having hosted the Games.

Maphosa said they were delighted to have Namibia back in the fold.

“On behalf of Cossasa, it is my great honour and privilege to welcome you all to White City Stadium, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, for the 2026 Cossasa Games. To our member countries — Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe — welcome!

“We are especially delighted to welcome Namibia back to the Cossasa family, and to have South Africa joining us here in Zimbabwe,” said Maphosa.

He encouraged athletes to compete in the spirit of fair play.

“To our athletes: this is your moment. Compete with courage, discipline and respect. Win with humility and accept every result with dignity,” said the Gwanda High School head.

Maphosa commended the Government of Zimbabwe and the local organising committee officials, teachers, coaches, parents and partners for making the Games possible.