The COSAFA Show
With football news, views and analysis from around Southern Africa, The COSAFA Show offers a unique window into what is happening on and off the pitch in the Southern African region. Hosted by Mark Gleeson and Nick Said.
14
MAY
HUGO BROOS TALKS BAFANA BAFANA AND A WHOLE LOT MORE
Hugo Broos has been appointed the new coach of Bafana Bafana and had a number of
interesting things to say in his first meeting with the media this week.
The experienced Belgian tactician has been tasked with rebuilding the Bafana Bafana brand
after their failure to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
He has cautioned that patience will be needed, and seemed to suggest it was unlikely the
side would qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but that if the team did not reach the
2023 and 2025 Nations Cups, and the 2026 World Cup, then the media “can kill me”.
He also introduced his new assistant coach, the Macedonian Cedo Janevski, who is currently
working with Olympiakos Nicosia in Cyprus but will link up with the side next week.
“He played for Club Brugge in Belgium‚ is married to a Belgian‚ so he’s Belgian. He talks
English‚ French and Dutch‚ so there will be no problem with languages,” Broos revealed.
“There will be no problem with experience. He was the coach of Brugge I think nearly 20
years ago‚ won the cup with Brugge‚ was a coach in Greece‚ a coach of the national team of
Macedonia. “So I think he’s an experienced coach. And I have to say and be honest he’s a friend of mine‚
so think the working together will be 100%. “I know him a very long time and I’m very happy that the [SAFA technical] committee
agreed that I bring this Belgian coach with me. I think he will arrive by the end of next
week.” You can listen to Broos on this subject and a whole lot more In this week’s episode of The
COSAFA Show, including what his plans for the team are.
We will also chat to new Botswana Football Association CEO Goabaone Taylor, who is the
first woman to fill the position. She has set her sights on improving the fortunes of the organisation and tells us how she will go about doing that.
interesting things to say in his first meeting with the media this week.
The experienced Belgian tactician has been tasked with rebuilding the Bafana Bafana brand
after their failure to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
He has cautioned that patience will be needed, and seemed to suggest it was unlikely the
side would qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but that if the team did not reach the
2023 and 2025 Nations Cups, and the 2026 World Cup, then the media “can kill me”.
He also introduced his new assistant coach, the Macedonian Cedo Janevski, who is currently
working with Olympiakos Nicosia in Cyprus but will link up with the side next week.
“He played for Club Brugge in Belgium‚ is married to a Belgian‚ so he’s Belgian. He talks
English‚ French and Dutch‚ so there will be no problem with languages,” Broos revealed.
“There will be no problem with experience. He was the coach of Brugge I think nearly 20
years ago‚ won the cup with Brugge‚ was a coach in Greece‚ a coach of the national team of
Macedonia. “So I think he’s an experienced coach. And I have to say and be honest he’s a friend of mine‚
so think the working together will be 100%. “I know him a very long time and I’m very happy that the [SAFA technical] committee
agreed that I bring this Belgian coach with me. I think he will arrive by the end of next
week.” You can listen to Broos on this subject and a whole lot more In this week’s episode of The
COSAFA Show, including what his plans for the team are.
We will also chat to new Botswana Football Association CEO Goabaone Taylor, who is the
first woman to fill the position. She has set her sights on improving the fortunes of the organisation and tells us how she will go about doing that.
30
APR
Portugal-Based Rising Star Hopes To Wear Bafana Jersey
South African-born rising star Ricardo Schutte hopes to be donning the colours of Bafana Bafana in the near future, though a foot injury looks to have ended his hopes of appearing at the Olympic Games in Tokyo with the national Under-23 side.
His has been a fascinating journey having been born in Zeerust, and later moving to the Portuguese island of Madeira, where he idolised another local in Cristiano Ronaldo.
He tells The COSAFA Show of the massive impact the Portuguese star has had on the island.
“Coming from Madeira we always watched Cristiano Ronaldo,” Schutte says. “I liked Manchester United a lot because of him, then Real Madrid and now Juventus. I am always studying how he plays and he was like a role-model.
“You don’t realise it until you are on the island, but the best thing that ever happened to Madeira was Cristiano Ronaldo … and for Portugal too. Coming from a small, small island, it is just a great impact that he has had on the local community.
“Everybody talks about him, everybody loves him. All the young kids on the island who want to be football players, they are inspired by Ronaldo. You look at where he came from, what he did [to be successful], how difficult was his life in Madeira, because he did not come from a stable background in terms of money and so on.
“So seeing his career and the great player he had become, it is an inspiration for everyone.”
Schutte is on loan at Spanish LaLiga 2 side Mirandes this season from Portuguese top-flight outfit Rio Ave, and admits it has been a tough campaign with injuries.
“I have had a few injuries, but in the beginning I was doing very, very well,” he says. “I had adapted quickly to the team and was playing 90 minutes every game. Then I had a little injury, then another one and another one. But now I am coming back and much stronger again.
His has been a fascinating journey having been born in Zeerust, and later moving to the Portuguese island of Madeira, where he idolised another local in Cristiano Ronaldo.
He tells The COSAFA Show of the massive impact the Portuguese star has had on the island.
“Coming from Madeira we always watched Cristiano Ronaldo,” Schutte says. “I liked Manchester United a lot because of him, then Real Madrid and now Juventus. I am always studying how he plays and he was like a role-model.
“You don’t realise it until you are on the island, but the best thing that ever happened to Madeira was Cristiano Ronaldo … and for Portugal too. Coming from a small, small island, it is just a great impact that he has had on the local community.
“Everybody talks about him, everybody loves him. All the young kids on the island who want to be football players, they are inspired by Ronaldo. You look at where he came from, what he did [to be successful], how difficult was his life in Madeira, because he did not come from a stable background in terms of money and so on.
“So seeing his career and the great player he had become, it is an inspiration for everyone.”
Schutte is on loan at Spanish LaLiga 2 side Mirandes this season from Portuguese top-flight outfit Rio Ave, and admits it has been a tough campaign with injuries.
“I have had a few injuries, but in the beginning I was doing very, very well,” he says. “I had adapted quickly to the team and was playing 90 minutes every game. Then I had a little injury, then another one and another one. But now I am coming back and much stronger again.
16
APR
Bafana Midfielder Nodada Wishes Ntseki Had More Time
Cape Town City midfielder Thabo Nodada feels for former national team coach Molefi Ntseki and says he wishes the tactician had “one more chance” to prove he was the right man for the job. Nodada was an unused squad member as Bafana Bafana crashed out of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals contention with a 2-0 loss to Sudan in their last preliminary match. Ntseki has since been relieved of his duties, but Nodada feels it is hard on the coach. “I wish Molefi Ntseki had another chance,” he told The COSAFA Show. “Him being a teacher meant a lot in that national team, to be able to process so much information in just seven or eight days. He was so detailed in how the team should play and how the set-up should be. “I don’t think there was any player who went onto that field not knowing what to do. It is just that when you cross the line it is not the coach, it is you and your own readiness. “I had prepared a note when I was going to the national team. I was going to thank the coach for everything, he took me and planted me on very fertile land. He gave me the chance to play [in the national team over the last 12 months]. Even when things weren’t going well at my club, he had the courage to call me back to the national team.” Nodada admits he was disappointed not to get a chance to play in Sudan as he felt he was ready to contribute to the team effort. “In the latter stages of the camp in Sudan I thought I came into my own and I was very disappointed I didn’t get the chance [to play]. Where I was mentally, I felt I was just one kick away from doing something I have not even thought about.” Also on The COSAFA Show, we speak to former Namibia international Sandro de Gouveia about that country’s first COSAFA Cup experience in 1997 and how the tournament helped to develop a Golden Generation for the Brave Warriors. And the feature interview is with Mayrilian Cruz Blanco, who is the co-founder and chair of the Sports Equity+ International Foundation.
26
MAR
Kgatlana Shines On One Of The Biggest Stages In Women's Football
Thembi Kgatlana has had her scoring boots on this season in Spain with 10 goals so far for Eibar in the Primera División Femenina, but the Banyana Banyana star has set her sights on much bigger things in the future.
The 2018 CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year has shown all her incredible skill, blistering pace, and eye for goal, and has been a stand-out performer in one of the toughest leagues in Europe.
“Each match I am more confident and more focused and ready to play. I want to be a team player, that is a side of my game that I have been wanting to grow,” Kgatlana told The COSAFA Show.
“For me, it is not just the goals that I score, but the assists that I get the crucial penalties that I win for the club. I feel I am ticking that aspect of being a team player and getting better.”
Kgatlana has played in the United States, China, and Portugal before joining Eibar, where she is enjoying life on and off the pitch.
“It is a small city, everyone is fanatical about the club because it is the only one here. It is not like Soweto where you have Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Swallows, here there is just one team.
“Everywhere you walk in the city, people in their homes, on school bags for kids, they are flying the flag of Eibar.”
She says she has learnt a lot in her short stay so far in the Primera División, where the standard is very high.
“Spain is more about technique and intelligence. I have been in the US, which is a bit of both, technique and experience. About 80-90% of the girls that play for the US national team play in the NWSL [National Women’s Soccer League] so it makes it one of the strongest leagues in the world.
“Like I said, they are big on technique and video analysis, that kind of thing.
The 2018 CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year has shown all her incredible skill, blistering pace, and eye for goal, and has been a stand-out performer in one of the toughest leagues in Europe.
“Each match I am more confident and more focused and ready to play. I want to be a team player, that is a side of my game that I have been wanting to grow,” Kgatlana told The COSAFA Show.
“For me, it is not just the goals that I score, but the assists that I get the crucial penalties that I win for the club. I feel I am ticking that aspect of being a team player and getting better.”
Kgatlana has played in the United States, China, and Portugal before joining Eibar, where she is enjoying life on and off the pitch.
“It is a small city, everyone is fanatical about the club because it is the only one here. It is not like Soweto where you have Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Swallows, here there is just one team.
“Everywhere you walk in the city, people in their homes, on school bags for kids, they are flying the flag of Eibar.”
She says she has learnt a lot in her short stay so far in the Primera División, where the standard is very high.
“Spain is more about technique and intelligence. I have been in the US, which is a bit of both, technique and experience. About 80-90% of the girls that play for the US national team play in the NWSL [National Women’s Soccer League] so it makes it one of the strongest leagues in the world.
“Like I said, they are big on technique and video analysis, that kind of thing.
08
MAR
South Africa Not Daunted By Group Of Death At Under-17 AFCON
South Africa and Zambia will head off to the 2021 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations this week in search of continental glory after qualifying for the event through the COSAFA Men’s Under-17 Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay last November.
South Africa have been placed in the proverbial Group of Death along with defending champions Cameroon, and the west African duo of Senegal and Mali.
Despite the daunting task, coach Vela Khumalo says they will be well-prepared and the contrasting styles with their three opponents could work in their favour.
“This has been our theme, we are well aware of the powerhouse football countries that we are faced with. But we just said to ourselves that we can create history and we are looking forward to this group,” Khumalo tells The COSAFA Show.
“It is a plus to say they are big [in stature], we are a little bit smaller. It means we will use our speed more than anything. For me, that is a plus and what will work for the team.
“Tactically we are superior and we understand what is expected. The boys understand everything and I am happy with where we are at the moment.”
Khumalo adds they have kept the bulk of the squad that helped them to the COSAFA title, but have lost some players to illness.
“We have kept 85% of those boys. Because of some illness, we had to let go four of our players, which are in key positions, but we have substituted them with equally good players as well.”
Also in this episode, the CAF elective congress looms large on Friday, and having heard from the male nominees for the various FIFA Council and CAF Exco seats last time out, we catch up with the two candidates contesting the seat that is open to a women’s representative.
Patricia Rajeriarison from Madagascar and Kanizat Ibrahim from Comoros are hopeful of winning a place on the exco and outline their vision should they be elected.
South Africa have been placed in the proverbial Group of Death along with defending champions Cameroon, and the west African duo of Senegal and Mali.
Despite the daunting task, coach Vela Khumalo says they will be well-prepared and the contrasting styles with their three opponents could work in their favour.
“This has been our theme, we are well aware of the powerhouse football countries that we are faced with. But we just said to ourselves that we can create history and we are looking forward to this group,” Khumalo tells The COSAFA Show.
“It is a plus to say they are big [in stature], we are a little bit smaller. It means we will use our speed more than anything. For me, that is a plus and what will work for the team.
“Tactically we are superior and we understand what is expected. The boys understand everything and I am happy with where we are at the moment.”
Khumalo adds they have kept the bulk of the squad that helped them to the COSAFA title, but have lost some players to illness.
“We have kept 85% of those boys. Because of some illness, we had to let go four of our players, which are in key positions, but we have substituted them with equally good players as well.”
Also in this episode, the CAF elective congress looms large on Friday, and having heard from the male nominees for the various FIFA Council and CAF Exco seats last time out, we catch up with the two candidates contesting the seat that is open to a women’s representative.
Patricia Rajeriarison from Madagascar and Kanizat Ibrahim from Comoros are hopeful of winning a place on the exco and outline their vision should they be elected.
24
FEB
FIFA President Infantino Speaks Of Crucial Period For Africa
The latest episode of The COSAFA Show features an exclusive interview with FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he outlines the organisation’s plans for Africa and where he sees football on the continent headed in the coming years.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidential elections will be held in Morocco on March 12, with South Africa’s Dr Patrice Motsepe among those bidding for the seat.
Infantino admits that the outcome of those elections will be important in determining a pathway for the game in Africa.
“It is clear that elections are always an important milestone for an organisation like CAF,” he tells The COSAFA Show. “Let us not forget that in 2026 Africa will have nine or 10 (dependent on play-off winners) participants at the World Cup. And in 2023, Africa will have four instead of three participants at the Women’s World Cup.
“Before this, a lot of organisation needs to take place, this means that the period from 2021 to 2025 will be a crucial one for African football, because you want to go to these events and play a protagonist’s role, not just go, play and come back after two or three games.
“You want to compete at the highest level and to do that, the organisation needs to be done in a certain way.
“Reforms need to be implemented, everyone is aware of that, and the unity in the continent needs to be found, backing these projects that go from good governance to infrastructure development, to new competitions, and academy development for young players.
“All of these debates are at the heart of the CAF presidential debate and I would wish the whole continent can unite behind these topics and a strong leadership for Africa.”
Motsepe will be unveiling his 10-point plan for his CAF presidential bid on Thursday, but also outlines his views on what he can bring to the position.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) presidential elections will be held in Morocco on March 12, with South Africa’s Dr Patrice Motsepe among those bidding for the seat.
Infantino admits that the outcome of those elections will be important in determining a pathway for the game in Africa.
“It is clear that elections are always an important milestone for an organisation like CAF,” he tells The COSAFA Show. “Let us not forget that in 2026 Africa will have nine or 10 (dependent on play-off winners) participants at the World Cup. And in 2023, Africa will have four instead of three participants at the Women’s World Cup.
“Before this, a lot of organisation needs to take place, this means that the period from 2021 to 2025 will be a crucial one for African football, because you want to go to these events and play a protagonist’s role, not just go, play and come back after two or three games.
“You want to compete at the highest level and to do that, the organisation needs to be done in a certain way.
“Reforms need to be implemented, everyone is aware of that, and the unity in the continent needs to be found, backing these projects that go from good governance to infrastructure development, to new competitions, and academy development for young players.
“All of these debates are at the heart of the CAF presidential debate and I would wish the whole continent can unite behind these topics and a strong leadership for Africa.”
Motsepe will be unveiling his 10-point plan for his CAF presidential bid on Thursday, but also outlines his views on what he can bring to the position.
29
JAN
Fredericks Reveals His Pick For Soweto Derby Winner
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs will lock horns in the Soweto Derby on Saturday, with both in desperate need of points after disappointing starts to the new season by their own lofty standards.
Chiefs are seventh in the table and a full 12 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while Pirates are four points better off but have been hampered by too many draws and a lack of a cutting edge in the opponent’s box.
The Buccaneers have already won both legs of their MTN8 semifinal with Chiefs at the start of the campaign but lost the league meetings between the clubs last season.
One man well placed to talk about derby pressure is Stanton Fredericks, who played for both clubs in an illustrious career that also saw him represent Bafana Bafana.
“If you win the derby, the confidence levels, not only within the team but just going to training (and seeing fans) …” Fredericks told The COSAFA Show.
“You know when you play for Chiefs or Pirates and you lose a game, when you drive into the training field the Monday morning, the security guard won’t give you a welcome, the groundsman looks at you funny. The lady who usually gives you a hug just walks away! It affects the entire team on and off the pitch.
“The confidence that comes from winning the Derby is not just about the bragging rights, it adds to your performance and it will certainly help you going forward.”
Fredericks reveals who he thinks will win on Saturday and why a must listen for both fans of Chiefs and Pirates.
We also hear from Zambia coach Micho Sredojevic ahead of Sunday’s African Nations Championship quarterfinal against Morocco, a tough fixture for the home-based Chipolopolo.
And COSAFA General Secretary Sue Destombes reveals the organisation’s plans for 2021, including when, and where, the flagship COSAFA Cup senior men’s challenge will be played
Chiefs are seventh in the table and a full 12 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, while Pirates are four points better off but have been hampered by too many draws and a lack of a cutting edge in the opponent’s box.
The Buccaneers have already won both legs of their MTN8 semifinal with Chiefs at the start of the campaign but lost the league meetings between the clubs last season.
One man well placed to talk about derby pressure is Stanton Fredericks, who played for both clubs in an illustrious career that also saw him represent Bafana Bafana.
“If you win the derby, the confidence levels, not only within the team but just going to training (and seeing fans) …” Fredericks told The COSAFA Show.
“You know when you play for Chiefs or Pirates and you lose a game, when you drive into the training field the Monday morning, the security guard won’t give you a welcome, the groundsman looks at you funny. The lady who usually gives you a hug just walks away! It affects the entire team on and off the pitch.
“The confidence that comes from winning the Derby is not just about the bragging rights, it adds to your performance and it will certainly help you going forward.”
Fredericks reveals who he thinks will win on Saturday and why a must listen for both fans of Chiefs and Pirates.
We also hear from Zambia coach Micho Sredojevic ahead of Sunday’s African Nations Championship quarterfinal against Morocco, a tough fixture for the home-based Chipolopolo.
And COSAFA General Secretary Sue Destombes reveals the organisation’s plans for 2021, including when, and where, the flagship COSAFA Cup senior men’s challenge will be played
16
JAN
COSAFA Nations Head Off To CHAN Finals In Hope Of VIctory
The COSAFA region will have three representatives at the 2021 African Nations Championship (CHAN), all hoping to become the first winners from the region to take home the continental trophy.
Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe came through the qualifiers to take their place at the finals, which will be played from January 16-February 7, a showcase of the quality of their domestic leagues.
The CHAN competition is open only to players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues and has grown in stature since it was first played in 2009.
All three COSAFA representatives have had to overcome challenges with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic and players testing positive, but have managed to settle on their final 23 man squads.
"We had a slight hitch in terms of some players testing positive for COVID-19 in camp, but they were caught early," Namibia Football Association President Ranga Haikali tells The COSAFA Show.
"Everything is good, we have 33 players in camp, we are certain that those who might not recover fully or might have COVID-19 still in their system will be released by the coach, and we will have a minimum of 15 players. However, we are confident we will send a full squad of 23 players.
"Everything is in full swing, I spoke to the coach (Bobby Samaria) and he is confident that the core of his squad will be going to Cameroon to compete."
Renowned Zambia football journalist Kalumiana Kalumiana also gives his assessment of the Chipolopolo squad that will feature in Cameroon and their chances, while hosts Mark Gleeson and Nick Said preview the tournament and speak of the challenges of assessing who are the leading sides to watch.
Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe came through the qualifiers to take their place at the finals, which will be played from January 16-February 7, a showcase of the quality of their domestic leagues.
The CHAN competition is open only to players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues and has grown in stature since it was first played in 2009.
All three COSAFA representatives have had to overcome challenges with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic and players testing positive, but have managed to settle on their final 23 man squads.
"We had a slight hitch in terms of some players testing positive for COVID-19 in camp, but they were caught early," Namibia Football Association President Ranga Haikali tells The COSAFA Show.
"Everything is good, we have 33 players in camp, we are certain that those who might not recover fully or might have COVID-19 still in their system will be released by the coach, and we will have a minimum of 15 players. However, we are confident we will send a full squad of 23 players.
"Everything is in full swing, I spoke to the coach (Bobby Samaria) and he is confident that the core of his squad will be going to Cameroon to compete."
Renowned Zambia football journalist Kalumiana Kalumiana also gives his assessment of the Chipolopolo squad that will feature in Cameroon and their chances, while hosts Mark Gleeson and Nick Said preview the tournament and speak of the challenges of assessing who are the leading sides to watch.
18
DEC
2020
Mothiba Readies For Return From Injury
South Africa striker Lebo Mothiba is nearing a return from a serious knee injury and
promising to come back fitter and stronger than ever ahead of a crucial 2021 that includes
the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the start of the 2022 FIFA World
Cup preliminaries.
We have delved into the archives for an interview with the 24-year-old Strasbourg forward,
where he discusses his path in the game and his time with the national team.
Mothiba netted four goals in his first five games for Bafana Bafana, but is stuck on the same
number after 14 caps, though his all-round contribution as a targetman striker should be
recognised.
He admits the early suggestions that he could be the answer to Bafana’s scoring problems
left him uncomfortable.
"That is a difficult question because as a striker ... sometimes there are games where you do
well, score goals and everyone says you are the right one for the national team," Mothiba
said on The COSAFA Show.
"But then sometimes you can go five or six games without scoring a goal and the fans start
saying, 'this one is not a good striker'. I can just go and do my best and if I get the
opportunity to score goals, that is what I will try to do.
"I won't say that I am the answer to the scoring problems of South Africa. The PSL do have a
lot of good strikers, there are good players in the country."
Mothiba also discussed how he made it to France, his early influences and how he managed
to settle into European life so quickly, something that is often a challenge for South African
players.
On this final show of 2020 we also talk to Mozambique Under-20 coach Dario Monteiro,
who led his team to a surprise win at the COSAFA Qualifiers for TOTAL U-20 AFCON,
Mauritania 2021.
He explains how he did it and looks to the future where the side will compete in Mauritania
from February.
We also talk to Zambia international Charles Zulu, who recently swapped Zanaco for Cape
Town City in South Africa’
promising to come back fitter and stronger than ever ahead of a crucial 2021 that includes
the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the start of the 2022 FIFA World
Cup preliminaries.
We have delved into the archives for an interview with the 24-year-old Strasbourg forward,
where he discusses his path in the game and his time with the national team.
Mothiba netted four goals in his first five games for Bafana Bafana, but is stuck on the same
number after 14 caps, though his all-round contribution as a targetman striker should be
recognised.
He admits the early suggestions that he could be the answer to Bafana’s scoring problems
left him uncomfortable.
"That is a difficult question because as a striker ... sometimes there are games where you do
well, score goals and everyone says you are the right one for the national team," Mothiba
said on The COSAFA Show.
"But then sometimes you can go five or six games without scoring a goal and the fans start
saying, 'this one is not a good striker'. I can just go and do my best and if I get the
opportunity to score goals, that is what I will try to do.
"I won't say that I am the answer to the scoring problems of South Africa. The PSL do have a
lot of good strikers, there are good players in the country."
Mothiba also discussed how he made it to France, his early influences and how he managed
to settle into European life so quickly, something that is often a challenge for South African
players.
On this final show of 2020 we also talk to Mozambique Under-20 coach Dario Monteiro,
who led his team to a surprise win at the COSAFA Qualifiers for TOTAL U-20 AFCON,
Mauritania 2021.
He explains how he did it and looks to the future where the side will compete in Mauritania
from February.
We also talk to Zambia international Charles Zulu, who recently swapped Zanaco for Cape
Town City in South Africa’
04
DEC
2020
MOSIMANE TALKS OF ‘WHIRLPOOL’ AFTER CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VICTORY
Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane became just the third tactician ever to win the CAF Champions league with two different clubs as he followed up his 2016 triumph with Mamelodi Sundowns with another star for his personal badge in the 2019-20 final.
Even better, Mosimane guided his Ahly side to victory in the final over bitter rivals Zamalek, ensuring that just a few months after arriving at the club, he has already written his name into their rich history.
It is a first Champions league title since 2013 for the Cairo giants, and Mosimane used his know-how to brush aside old foes Wydad Casablanca in the semifinals, as well as repeat his 2016 final victory against Zamalek.
He spoke to the South African Football Journalists Association this week about that triumph and much more, and you can hear a snippet of his thoughts on the latest episode of The COSAFA Show.
“I have been in a whirlpool since I have been here. It has not been easy. Some might say it was easier because the [Egyptian] league was already won with only five games left. But it is not like that, at this level, on this stage, results are very important,” Mosimane says.
“You might say, ‘OK, but the team was already in the semifinals of Champions League’. Yes it was, but for me to get there I had to win all the games that are in between the semifinals. If you lose those games, you know the story, you won’t be here.
“Those games in the [Egyptian] league were pressure games for me, everybody wanted to see if they could trust me, what would I bring to the team, what would I do differently to what had been done because the league was won.
“That is the pressure, to keep winning. I had to start my own journey by winning games. You have start that journey by showing the difference you will make to the team. You can’t come with the same thing that they had.”
On this week’s show there is also a discussing with LaLiga Santander’s Managing Director for South Africa, Marcos Pelegrin about a recent partnership with COSA
It is a first Champions league title since 2013 for the Cairo giants, and Mosimane used his know-how to brush aside old foes Wydad Casablanca in the semifinals, as well as repeat his 2016 final victory against Zamalek.
He spoke to the South African Football Journalists Association this week about that triumph and much more, and you can hear a snippet of his thoughts on the latest episode of The COSAFA Show.
“I have been in a whirlpool since I have been here. It has not been easy. Some might say it was easier because the [Egyptian] league was already won with only five games left. But it is not like that, at this level, on this stage, results are very important,” Mosimane says.
“You might say, ‘OK, but the team was already in the semifinals of Champions League’. Yes it was, but for me to get there I had to win all the games that are in between the semifinals. If you lose those games, you know the story, you won’t be here.
“Those games in the [Egyptian] league were pressure games for me, everybody wanted to see if they could trust me, what would I bring to the team, what would I do differently to what had been done because the league was won.
“That is the pressure, to keep winning. I had to start my own journey by winning games. You have start that journey by showing the difference you will make to the team. You can’t come with the same thing that they had.”
On this week’s show there is also a discussing with LaLiga Santander’s Managing Director for South Africa, Marcos Pelegrin about a recent partnership with COSA
19
NOV
2020
Malawi Coach Mwase Grateful to Jomo Sono Boost
Malawi coach Meke Mwase has revealed how Jomo Sono was a major influence on him becoming a coach, and remains a mentor to this day.
Mwase played for Jomo Cosmos for three seasons in the 1990s during a successful career in which he was a stalwart of the Malawi national side.
The 48-year-old was appointed to lead The Flames last year, where he has the likes of Orlando Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango and Baroka FC midfielder Gerald Phiri in his side.
"I enjoyed playing football, but coaching is a very big job and a very stressful job" Mwase tells The COSAFA Show. "You always have to pick a team to win the game, because in Malawi the people want their team to win all the time and that hasn’t happened in a long time.
"It was a big blessing for me to meet Jomo Sono. He has been like a father to me. I enjoyed playing for his team and he always encouraged me. He helped me to be a good player for the team.
"So it was nice making me a captain in my first year there. It was a great thing." Meanwhile, South Africa Under-17 captain Jessica Wade has earned a trip to Spain courtesy of LaLiga next year, where she will get to train with local sides and hopefully take in a league game if COVID-19 allow.
“It’s an incredible opportunity and such a wonderful surprise, I had no idea something like this existed,” Wade says. “To get the message that says you have an opportunity to go to Spain and train with local clubs and learn about their football culture is incredible and such a wonderful opportunity.” Also on the COSAFA Show, Mark Gleeson talks us through the permutations in the various Africa Cup of Nations qualification pools after the latest round of fixtures.
"I enjoyed playing football, but coaching is a very big job and a very stressful job" Mwase tells The COSAFA Show. "You always have to pick a team to win the game, because in Malawi the people want their team to win all the time and that hasn’t happened in a long time.
"It was a big blessing for me to meet Jomo Sono. He has been like a father to me. I enjoyed playing for his team and he always encouraged me. He helped me to be a good player for the team.
"So it was nice making me a captain in my first year there. It was a great thing." Meanwhile, South Africa Under-17 captain Jessica Wade has earned a trip to Spain courtesy of LaLiga next year, where she will get to train with local sides and hopefully take in a league game if COVID-19 allow.
“It’s an incredible opportunity and such a wonderful surprise, I had no idea something like this existed,” Wade says. “To get the message that says you have an opportunity to go to Spain and train with local clubs and learn about their football culture is incredible and such a wonderful opportunity.” Also on the COSAFA Show, Mark Gleeson talks us through the permutations in the various Africa Cup of Nations qualification pools after the latest round of fixtures.
05
NOV
2020
Copper Queens Build Towards Tokyo Olympic
Zambia’s national women’s team should have already completed their participation at the Tokyo Olympic Games, but the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the festival of sport being moved to 2021.
That makes their appearance at the 2020 COSAFA Women’s Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay from November 3-14 all the more important, with plenty of fine-tuning for the squad, who are missing just a handful of their first team players due to overseas club commitments.
But back in the fold is star striker Barbra Banda, who netted 18 goals in 13 games in the 2020 Chinese Super League season to finish as top scorer and underline her status as one of Africa’s leading female players.
She got her COSAFA tournament off to a cracking start with a hat-trick against Lesotho in an 8-0 win on Wednesday, as Zambia flexed their muscles and showed their quality.
She reveals all on The COSAFA Show, talking about her season in China, path into football, being back in the Copper Queens squad and, of course, participating in the Olympic Games next year.
That makes their appearance at the 2020 COSAFA Women’s Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay from November 3-14 all the more important, with plenty of fine-tuning for the squad, who are missing just a handful of their first team players due to overseas club commitments.
But back in the fold is star striker Barbra Banda, who netted 18 goals in 13 games in the 2020 Chinese Super League season to finish as top scorer and underline her status as one of Africa’s leading female players.
She got her COSAFA tournament off to a cracking start with a hat-trick against Lesotho in an 8-0 win on Wednesday, as Zambia flexed their muscles and showed their quality.
She reveals all on The COSAFA Show, talking about her season in China, path into football, being back in the Copper Queens squad and, of course, participating in the Olympic Games next year.
