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.
19
NOV
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
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.
29
OCT
Ellis’ Plan For New-Look Banyana At Cosafa Women’s Championship
Banyana Banyana will be seeking a fourth COSAFA Women’s Championship trophy win in a row when they contest the 2020 edition in nelson Mandela Bay from November 3-14.
It is very much a new-look squad for coach Desiree Ellis with the unavailability of her overseas-based stars, but with some exciting new talent to keep an eye on, there will be plenty for fans to enjoy.
Ellis has told The COSAFA Show her plans for the tournament in an exclusive interview in which she touches on a wide range of subjects.
It is very much a new-look squad for coach Desiree Ellis with the unavailability of her overseas-based stars, but with some exciting new talent to keep an eye on, there will be plenty for fans to enjoy.
Ellis has told The COSAFA Show her plans for the tournament in an exclusive interview in which she touches on a wide range of subjects.
09
OCT
Khumalo Reveals Unlucky Break Against Brazil
Former Bafana Bafana defender Bongani Khumalo is now an elder statesman at SuperSport United, but after scoring against France at the 2010 World Cup won a dream move to Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premiership.
But a serious injured picked up while playing for Bafana in a friendly against Brazil in 2014 would not only end his European dream, but also likely cut short his international career.
Khumalo tells The COSAFA Show about his initial struggles in Europe, and how his misfortune against the South Americans would come at a heavy cost.
But a serious injured picked up while playing for Bafana in a friendly against Brazil in 2014 would not only end his European dream, but also likely cut short his international career.
Khumalo tells The COSAFA Show about his initial struggles in Europe, and how his misfortune against the South Americans would come at a heavy cost.
25
SEP
Jordaan To Former Players: Get Qualified
South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan has urged former players to get their technical qualifications if they want to stay in the game, and says it is not enough to rely on their experiences during their career.
There has been a great debate in recent times about whether former players should be utilized more by SAFA. Following last weekend’s National Executive Committee meeting, ex-Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe was added to the technical committee, where he is joined by David Nyathi, while Brian Baloyi and Fabian McCarthy have been placed on SAFA's marketing, media and commercial committee.
But Jordaan says it is not enough for players to just expect these roles and they must make sure they have the required skills, revealing his feelings in a special edition of The COSAFA Show on Friday.
Hear more on the COSAFA Show!
There has been a great debate in recent times about whether former players should be utilized more by SAFA. Following last weekend’s National Executive Committee meeting, ex-Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe was added to the technical committee, where he is joined by David Nyathi, while Brian Baloyi and Fabian McCarthy have been placed on SAFA's marketing, media and commercial committee.
But Jordaan says it is not enough for players to just expect these roles and they must make sure they have the required skills, revealing his feelings in a special edition of The COSAFA Show on Friday.
Hear more on the COSAFA Show!
12
SEP
'It's About The Love Of The Game' - Kennedy Mweene
Kennedy Mweene – 1:35
Motebang Sera – 12:17
Elvis Chetty – 18:49
How to stay in touch with COSAFA – 28:29
Motebang Sera – 12:17
Elvis Chetty – 18:49
How to stay in touch with COSAFA – 28:29
28
AUG
Ntseki Admits To Challenges In Selecting Bafana Squad
South Africa's national team coach, Molefi Ntseki, admits selecting his first squad after lockdown will be a challenge with so little information about the form and fitness of players.
Bafana Bafana are hoping to play two friendly matches in the October FIFA window, with their first competitive fixtures slated for home and away clashes against Sao Tome e Principe in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
Those will be the first competitive games played in a year, and with such little domestic football also on the go in the last six months, Ntseki is starved of information when trying to assemble his best squad.
“When we announced our squad to face Sao Tome [for the cancelled matches in March] we had all the information we needed to know what to expect from each player. They were playing regularly for their teams,” Ntseki tells The COSAFA Show.
"Now it is a difficult situation for us because we have not seen much of them. The only ones we have really seen are the locally-based players in the PSL.
"For those overseas, we have a programme that gives us information about our players that are based abroad, which is very much of help to us.
"Most of them will be starting their leagues from August onwards, and this gives us information about their minutes and how they are doing for their clubs.
"But when it comes to the next FIFA week, it will be very difficult. We have obviously been watching players in the PSL, but if we were to select now it would be based on what we have seen following the resumption of football just a few weeks ago.
"We just hope those playing abroad will have enough minutes under their belt to warrant a call-up to the national team.”
You can hear Ntseki go into much more detail about his plans and challenges coming up for Bafana Bafana on The COSAFA Show.
Bafana Bafana are hoping to play two friendly matches in the October FIFA window, with their first competitive fixtures slated for home and away clashes against Sao Tome e Principe in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
Those will be the first competitive games played in a year, and with such little domestic football also on the go in the last six months, Ntseki is starved of information when trying to assemble his best squad.
“When we announced our squad to face Sao Tome [for the cancelled matches in March] we had all the information we needed to know what to expect from each player. They were playing regularly for their teams,” Ntseki tells The COSAFA Show.
"Now it is a difficult situation for us because we have not seen much of them. The only ones we have really seen are the locally-based players in the PSL.
"For those overseas, we have a programme that gives us information about our players that are based abroad, which is very much of help to us.
"Most of them will be starting their leagues from August onwards, and this gives us information about their minutes and how they are doing for their clubs.
"But when it comes to the next FIFA week, it will be very difficult. We have obviously been watching players in the PSL, but if we were to select now it would be based on what we have seen following the resumption of football just a few weeks ago.
"We just hope those playing abroad will have enough minutes under their belt to warrant a call-up to the national team.”
You can hear Ntseki go into much more detail about his plans and challenges coming up for Bafana Bafana on The COSAFA Show.
14
AUG
How Pitso Plans To Overhaul Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has begun an overhaul of his squad as he looks to phase out some of the older players and create a new generation to continue his dynasty of success.
Mosimane recently revealed his plans for the next few years and which players he is looking to replace;
“We are currently preparing the team for the future because of the age of the most important players in the team,” Mosimane says.
“We have lots of guys over 30, and when it is over 30 they are not getting younger. None of their speed is getting better, they are just declining.
“That is the challenge we have at Mamelodi Sundowns. These guys have won so many trophies with me and they are important for the team, but what are you going to do, you can’t work against time.”
Listen to the latest episode to hear which specific players he is talking about and more thoughts on the current state of the team.
Also in this episode of the COSAFA Show, is an interviewed with Red Bull Salzburg star Enock Mwepu. Mwepu is one of the most talked-about young midfielders in Europe at the moment. The Zambian has excellent in the Austrian league as well as the UEFA Champions League, where he twice played against Liverpool last season.
Hear his take on Jurgen Klopp’s side and who’s jersey he sought after the game played at Anfield … it is not who you might think!
Finally, we chat to Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu, who is also a member of the all-powerful FIFA Council. He updates us on COVID-19 in his country, as well as FIFA’s plans for the game in another fascinating insight into the world of football.
On The COSAFA Show – Episode 4
* Zambia and Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Enock Mwepu (1:25)
* Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane (12:46)
* Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu (23:19)
Mosimane recently revealed his plans for the next few years and which players he is looking to replace;
“We are currently preparing the team for the future because of the age of the most important players in the team,” Mosimane says.
“We have lots of guys over 30, and when it is over 30 they are not getting younger. None of their speed is getting better, they are just declining.
“That is the challenge we have at Mamelodi Sundowns. These guys have won so many trophies with me and they are important for the team, but what are you going to do, you can’t work against time.”
Listen to the latest episode to hear which specific players he is talking about and more thoughts on the current state of the team.
Also in this episode of the COSAFA Show, is an interviewed with Red Bull Salzburg star Enock Mwepu. Mwepu is one of the most talked-about young midfielders in Europe at the moment. The Zambian has excellent in the Austrian league as well as the UEFA Champions League, where he twice played against Liverpool last season.
Hear his take on Jurgen Klopp’s side and who’s jersey he sought after the game played at Anfield … it is not who you might think!
Finally, we chat to Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu, who is also a member of the all-powerful FIFA Council. He updates us on COVID-19 in his country, as well as FIFA’s plans for the game in another fascinating insight into the world of football.
On The COSAFA Show – Episode 4
* Zambia and Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Enock Mwepu (1:25)
* Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane (12:46)
* Football Association of Malawi President Walter Nyamilandu (23:19)
31
JUL
‘Bafana Bafana Is The Big One’ - Karuru
Zimbabwe international star Ovidy Karuru first arrived in South Africa to play for Kaizer Chiefs in 2014, before later moving on to AmaZulu and now Stellenbosch FC.
He remains a stalwart of the Warriors squad some 13 years after making his debut and has had a huge impact on the COSAFA Cup in the past, including a remarkable six goals as Zimbabwe romped to the title in 2017.
He tells The COSAFA Show of his plans for the rest of this season at Stellenbosch FC, with the league set to restart on August 11, as well as his thoughts on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
“We have been waiting to play [Bafana Bafana],” Karuru says of the World Cup preliminary games. “We always want to play against South Africa, because when we are here [in the Premier Soccer League] at our clubs, we always talk about it.
“We have missed the Battle of Limpopo! That one is going to be our toughest game because neither team wants to lose. When it comes to Ghana and the other team [Ethiopia], we just have to go there and get a result, then we take them on in the reverse fixture at our home ground.
“But against South Africa, there is no home, no away, with so many guys playing here [in the PSL]. It is going to be a tough one.”
Meanwhile, Lesotho national team head coach Thabo Senong is a year into the job and he updates on progress with Dikwena.
Senong twice led South Africa to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, but has now turned his hand to senior national team football and improving the football of Lesotho. They are a nation that often punch above their weight and he is relishing the challenge.
The Namibia Football Association are going through a turbulent time and recently expelled their Premier League as a member, leading to an overhaul of club football in the country.
NFA President Ranga Haikali updates on the situation there and what plans they have for the next few years.
He remains a stalwart of the Warriors squad some 13 years after making his debut and has had a huge impact on the COSAFA Cup in the past, including a remarkable six goals as Zimbabwe romped to the title in 2017.
He tells The COSAFA Show of his plans for the rest of this season at Stellenbosch FC, with the league set to restart on August 11, as well as his thoughts on the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
“We have been waiting to play [Bafana Bafana],” Karuru says of the World Cup preliminary games. “We always want to play against South Africa, because when we are here [in the Premier Soccer League] at our clubs, we always talk about it.
“We have missed the Battle of Limpopo! That one is going to be our toughest game because neither team wants to lose. When it comes to Ghana and the other team [Ethiopia], we just have to go there and get a result, then we take them on in the reverse fixture at our home ground.
“But against South Africa, there is no home, no away, with so many guys playing here [in the PSL]. It is going to be a tough one.”
Meanwhile, Lesotho national team head coach Thabo Senong is a year into the job and he updates on progress with Dikwena.
Senong twice led South Africa to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, but has now turned his hand to senior national team football and improving the football of Lesotho. They are a nation that often punch above their weight and he is relishing the challenge.
The Namibia Football Association are going through a turbulent time and recently expelled their Premier League as a member, leading to an overhaul of club football in the country.
NFA President Ranga Haikali updates on the situation there and what plans they have for the next few years.
17
JUL
Dove Reveals His Burning Ambition
Mozambique and Cape Town City defender Edmilson Dove is among many Premier Soccer League players itching to get back to action and waiting patiently for the competition to resume following the pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once called 'My Sergio Ramos' by former City coach Benni McCarthy, Edmilson has been a stalwart of the Mother City side since their formation in the 2016/17 season. Before then he was performing on the international stage, helping Mozambique to the 2015 COSAFA Cup final, where they would ultimately lose to Namibia, but not before he had forged his reputation as a superb operator.
He is still only 25, and while he has been linked with several other top South African clubs in recent times, he reveals his future ambition to The COSAFA Show: “[To play internationally] is the flame that is still burning inside of me. It is going to be a dream come true and you know what, I am still looking forward to it!” he said.
Also on the show, Banyana Banyana coach Des Ellis talks about the formation of a CAF Women’s Champions League and the future of the women's game.
Having picked up two African Women’s Coach of the Year awards in succession, there are few better placed on the continent to talk about the game. With so many Banyana Banyana players having recently moved overseas, there is a lot to look forward to.
To end the show, Mark Gleeson and Nick said interviewed the Botswana Football Association President, Maclean Letshwiti, who says he is confident of re-election to his post next month but admits it is no foregone conclusion. He also details how he has managed to turn around the fortunes of the association in the last four years, and what his plans are if he does win re-election.
On The COSAFA Show
* Mozambique and Cape Town City defender Edmilson Dove (1:32)
* Banyana Banyana coach Des Ellis (9:17)
* Botswana Football Association President Maclean Letshwiti (13:54)
* How to stay connected with COSAFA (23:10)
Once called 'My Sergio Ramos' by former City coach Benni McCarthy, Edmilson has been a stalwart of the Mother City side since their formation in the 2016/17 season. Before then he was performing on the international stage, helping Mozambique to the 2015 COSAFA Cup final, where they would ultimately lose to Namibia, but not before he had forged his reputation as a superb operator.
He is still only 25, and while he has been linked with several other top South African clubs in recent times, he reveals his future ambition to The COSAFA Show: “[To play internationally] is the flame that is still burning inside of me. It is going to be a dream come true and you know what, I am still looking forward to it!” he said.
Also on the show, Banyana Banyana coach Des Ellis talks about the formation of a CAF Women’s Champions League and the future of the women's game.
Having picked up two African Women’s Coach of the Year awards in succession, there are few better placed on the continent to talk about the game. With so many Banyana Banyana players having recently moved overseas, there is a lot to look forward to.
To end the show, Mark Gleeson and Nick said interviewed the Botswana Football Association President, Maclean Letshwiti, who says he is confident of re-election to his post next month but admits it is no foregone conclusion. He also details how he has managed to turn around the fortunes of the association in the last four years, and what his plans are if he does win re-election.
On The COSAFA Show
* Mozambique and Cape Town City defender Edmilson Dove (1:32)
* Banyana Banyana coach Des Ellis (9:17)
* Botswana Football Association President Maclean Letshwiti (13:54)
* How to stay connected with COSAFA (23:10)
03
JUL
Micho Confident of Zambia Revival
Former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic is now in charge of the Zambia national side after a brief spell in Egypt with Zamalek, but has walked into the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is a totally different challenge for the Serbian tactician, who is hoping to help Chipolopolo recapture the Africa Cup of Nations title they won in 2012.
He tells The COSAFA Show what is needed for success and the pressure he feels to bring success to a team that has not even qualified for the last two editions of the continental finals.
But with a new generation of players such as the RB Salzburg duo of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu, Micho is confident he can turn around the fortunes of the side.
“The magnitude of the job is huge, this is a country with unbelievable football potential and an enormous amount of talent,” Sredojevic says. “I feel it on my shoulders, carrying the dreams of millions of Zambians both home and abroad.
“[But] I believe in those players … that are getting the interest of Manchester United [Daka] and Real Madrid [Mwepu], and with players that I am preparing from here that are unknown.
“Let me tell you, power is to find that fish when he is still small, and feed that fish to become the shark!”
Meanwhile, the chairman of newly-crowned Botswana Premier League champions Jwaneng Galaxy, Njabulo Gilika, explains their recipe of success.
Galaxy had finished second in the previous three seasons, but finally claimed the coveted trophy in a season cut short by COVID-19.
He also gives the history of the side and what his plans are to create a dynasty of success.
Finally, COSAFA General Secretary Sue Destombes provides an update on the organisation's plans for the remainder of 2020, which will hopefully include the senior COSAFA Cup competition that was meant to be hosted in Durban in June.
She also reveals a bumper year in 2021 that will include two new competitions, with one the potential for a regional women’s Champions League.
On The COSAFA
It is a totally different challenge for the Serbian tactician, who is hoping to help Chipolopolo recapture the Africa Cup of Nations title they won in 2012.
He tells The COSAFA Show what is needed for success and the pressure he feels to bring success to a team that has not even qualified for the last two editions of the continental finals.
But with a new generation of players such as the RB Salzburg duo of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu, Micho is confident he can turn around the fortunes of the side.
“The magnitude of the job is huge, this is a country with unbelievable football potential and an enormous amount of talent,” Sredojevic says. “I feel it on my shoulders, carrying the dreams of millions of Zambians both home and abroad.
“[But] I believe in those players … that are getting the interest of Manchester United [Daka] and Real Madrid [Mwepu], and with players that I am preparing from here that are unknown.
“Let me tell you, power is to find that fish when he is still small, and feed that fish to become the shark!”
Meanwhile, the chairman of newly-crowned Botswana Premier League champions Jwaneng Galaxy, Njabulo Gilika, explains their recipe of success.
Galaxy had finished second in the previous three seasons, but finally claimed the coveted trophy in a season cut short by COVID-19.
He also gives the history of the side and what his plans are to create a dynasty of success.
Finally, COSAFA General Secretary Sue Destombes provides an update on the organisation's plans for the remainder of 2020, which will hopefully include the senior COSAFA Cup competition that was meant to be hosted in Durban in June.
She also reveals a bumper year in 2021 that will include two new competitions, with one the potential for a regional women’s Champions League.
On The COSAFA
