Well done Sihlangu, COSAFA SIHLANGU

GOOD day dear reader. The Senior Men National Team Sihlangu is back home after a heroic performance in the COSAFA Cup 2021 in South Africa. When Sihlangu left for the competition, the target was to win the championship. The lads had that fighting spirit to bring it home. What I witnessed to them is that they knew it very well that they were not only playing for themselves but for the nation as well. They wanted to lift the country’s flag sky high. Even though sadly lost the semi- final match against Senegal, they lifted themselves up for the next match against Mozambique.

They gave that match the respect that it deserved and the business was done as they won that match and at least maintained the 2016 status of getting the bronze in this competition. Over and above, Eswatini won the COSAFA Fair- Play Award which complemented the efforts of the lads during the competition. It was indeed good to see the skipper, Lindo Mkhonta receiving that award and also acknowledging the effort of the technical staff, players and the support of the nation. Football is a team sport where we win and lose as a team. It is also good to hear the public acknowledging the efforts by Sihlangu as it motivates both the technical team and players to do better next time. Well done Sihlangu, you left a mark in the competition.

COSAFA

On behalf of the EFA, let me take this opportunity to acknowledge COSAFA for a well- implemented competition in Gqeberha. This was a world class competition which gave the players the much needed exposure that is needed by the players in order to fulfil their dreams. All the stakeholders that were involved in the implementation of this competition played an excellent role for its success. It was not easy under the new normal as COVID- 19 continues to be a threat to humanity. The bio- bubble was superb, training grounds excellent and the match- day venues were magnificent, and with the world cup stadium ( Nelson Mandela Bay) being one of the venues, gave the competition the glitz and glamour that the competition deserves. The presence of the senior football administrators and most in particular the CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe stamped the status of the event.

It was also good for the competition that it was not only about the football players displaying their skills in the field of play, but it also touched lives. The national teams that competed in the finals and 3rd / 4th place playoffs participated in a charity event which was a clear indication that football is more than just a game. Indeed it was a good birthday celebration for the late former South African President Dr. Nelson Mandela, who loved the beautiful game. Thank you COSAFA for this competition as its history speaks for itself in terms of development of football in the region.

Till next week, football for all and safe life for all.

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