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NMBM is thrilled to host yet another COSAFA Cup

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The draw for the 2021 COSAFA Cup took place at the Marine Hotel in Summerstrand on Thursday, June 17, 2021.

The draw was held in advance of the historic 20th edition of the regional showpiece competition. The 12-team tournament will be held from July 7 to 18, 2020, following the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senegal, a West African powerhouse, will also make a guest appearance in what will be a landmark tournament for COSAFA.

The COSAFA Cup has launched the careers of a number of top stars from the region over the years and continues to be a major driver of football development on and off the field for not only players, but also coaches, match officials, and administrators.

For 2021, the competition will adopt a new format, with the 12 teams divided into three groups of four teams each. This ensures that each team will play at least three games.

Speaking at the draw, Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillor Luxolo Namette said, “Sport brings us together in our diversity, our differing political differences. It aids in social cohesion and the development of our young minds.

“This draw takes place at a time when our country has been reclassified as Level 3 due to the spread and increase in COVID 19 infections in our city and country as a whole. We will not tolerate COVID-19 noncompliance during or after matches as a City”

“This draw also takes place during Youth Month, as we commemorate and remember the sacrifices made by the youth of 1976 in order for us to enjoy the freedom we do 45 years later. May we never forget, and may we always strive as youth to follow in their footsteps in advancing the development of our communities and creating socioeconomic conditions that seek to eradicate poverty and inequality in our society.

“I anticipate fiercely contested matches that will highlight the caliber of our sportsmanship.” It should be noted that the stakes are high, as each team is out to protect its reputation and honor. As a result, I see these games reflecting two opposing styles of play that will keep us on the edge throughout the tournament. I welcome you and wish our teams the best of luck.”

COSAFA has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Eastern Cape Government for providing critical support to the 2021 COSAFA Cup, allowing the competition to take place.

“The Province’s dedication to bringing international sports to the region is admirable and deserves to be recognised.

“Nelson Mandela Bay has been a proud host to a number of COSAFA events in recent years, though this will be the first time they host the men’s senior tournament.

” The City has successfully hosted the last three COSAFA Women’s Championships, as well as the COSAFA Men’s and Women’s Under-20 Championships and the COSAFA Men’s and Women’s Under-17 Championships.

“The Friendly City is an excellent partner for COSAFA because of its world-class infrastructure and the passion of local officials to see football played there. Due to COVID-19 regulations, no fans will be permitted inside the stadium; however, fans are encouraged to watch live-streaming of the games on our website and other TV channels that will broadcast the games”, COSAFA Secretary General, Mme Sue Destombes said.

Six-time champions Zimbabwe has been drawn in the group stages alongside West African guest nation, the Lions of Teranga, Senegal, in what is arguably a Group of Death that also includes Mozambique and 2015 COSAFA Cup winners Namibia.

Meanwhile, the hosting team, Bafana Bafana, has an intriguing group that includes Lesotho, Botswana, and Eswatini as well as neighbours. In their first round pool, defending champions Zambia will face Malawi, as well as the island nations of Madagascar and Comoros.

COSAFA CUP DRAW 2021:

GROUP A

  • The Republic of South Africa
  • Lesotho
  • Eswatini
  • Botswana

GROUP B

  • Zambia
  • Malawi
  • Madagascar
  • Comoros

GROUP C

  • Senegal
  • Zimbabwe
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.