Patrice Motsepe arrived in Zimbabwe from Egypt on Sunday to attend the COSAFA Elective Congress, a gathering that marked a significant leadership transition within southern African football.
The president of the Confederation of African Football, commonly known as CAF, was welcomed upon arrival by Nqobile Magwizi, the head of the Zimbabwe Football Association.
The congress also confirmed the election of Oabile Tariq Babitseng as the new president of Council of Southern Africa Football Associations, widely known as COSAFA.
Babitseng secured the position unopposed, officially taking over leadership of the regional football organisation during a meeting closely followed by officials and stakeholders from across southern Africa.
The COSAFA Elective Congress is regarded as one of the most important gatherings in the southern African football calendar, bringing together representatives from member associations to discuss governance, administration and the future direction of football within the region.
Motsepe’s arrival in Zimbabwe underlined the significance of the occasion, with the CAF president continuing his involvement in major football events across the African continent.
The South African businessman and football administrator has played a central role in CAF’s recent activities and reforms since assuming leadership of the continental governing body. His visit to Zimbabwe for the congress highlighted CAF’s ongoing relationship with COSAFA and its member associations.
Babitseng’s uncontested election was viewed as a strong sign of support within the regional football community. While no rival candidate challenged his bid for the presidency, his appointment still represents a major step for the organisation as it prepares for a new administrative period.
COSAFA remains one of Africa’s most active regional football bodies, overseeing competitions and football development programmes involving nations from southern Africa. The organisation has been influential in promoting youth football, women’s football and regional tournaments over the years.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the congress also placed renewed attention on the country’s football administration, with local officials welcoming delegates and CAF representatives for the event.
ZIFA president Magwizi was among the senior football figures present to receive Motsepe following his arrival from Egypt, where the CAF president had been involved in continental football matters before travelling to southern Africa.
The congress is expected to shape several future discussions regarding football development and cooperation among COSAFA member nations.
Babitseng now takes charge at a time when regional football associations are increasingly focused on strengthening competitions, improving infrastructure and expanding opportunities for players across southern Africa.
His unopposed election may also be interpreted as a signal of stability within COSAFA leadership ahead of future regional tournaments and administrative initiatives.
Meanwhile, Motsepe’s presence at the event further reinforced the close ties between CAF leadership and the regional football structures operating across Africa.
The gathering in Zimbabwe therefore represented both a ceremonial and strategic moment for football administrators in the region, combining leadership transition with broader discussions about the future growth of the game in southern Africa.
