06 Aug 2026

All eyes turn to Gaborone United Ladies FC as the host side lands in a gruelling Group A for the upcoming CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifier.  Set to face off against regional heavyweights from Zambia, Zimbabwe and Lesotho, GU champions face a high-stakes campaign to defend home territory and secure continental glory when the action kicks off on August 20.

On paper, the draw has set up a thrilling 10-day clash between Southern Africa’s elite. The hosts will share Group A alongside Zambia’s ZESCO Ndola Girls, Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens and the Lesotho Defence

Force, with Gaborone United contesting the tournament’s opening match against Lesotho.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s two-time continental powerhouses Mamelodi Sundowns anchor Group B alongside Costa do Sol of Mozambique, Nsingizini Hotspurs FC of eSwatini and Malawi’s Silver Strikers for the regional championship running from August 20 to 29.

Yet as teams prepare to take the pitch, regional leaders are looking far beyond the scoreboard. Beyond the competitive narrative, the gathering of administrators and civic leaders highlights regional football as a primary catalyst for economic and social transformation across Southern Africa.

Newly elected COSAFA president, Tariq Babitseng articulated a strategic vision for regional tournaments that extends far beyond the final whistle, positioning sport hosting as an engine for cross-sector development.

“Competitions must create opportunities not only for players and coaches, but also for referees, administrators, broadcasters, sponsors and local businesses,” Babitseng said.

The logic behind the approach is that major regional tournaments stimulate local commercial ecosystems because when teams travel, hotels are occupied, restaurants see a surge in customers and local transport operators, vendors and small business owners directly profit.

Babitseng highlighted the importance of a lasting tournament legacy, adding that every competition organised should strengthen football infrastructure and create tangible economic value for the host nation.

He emphasised that the impact should not be limited to established hubs, thus advocated for equitable distribution across the region.

“For that reason, it is my desire that, over time, COSAFA competitions are hosted across all our member associations. Every country in our region deserves the opportunity to welcome Southern Africa, showcase its football and benefit from the economic activity that accompanies these events,” he said.

Furthermore, he noted that international exposure built local confidence, inspired young talent, and reinforced a vibrant football culture.

“Hosting tournaments must therefore be seen as an important part of football development. It is an investment in our associations, communities and our economies,” Babitseng said.

For his part, sport and recreation director in the Ministry of Sport and Arts, Moeti Godisamang, said hosting the tournament aligned with broader national development goals.

Godisamang noted that government had targeted sport and creative industries as high-priority areas critical to the national agenda.

“It is through events such as this that we will be able to realise our vision of transforming Botswana from an upper-middle-income economy to a high-income economy,” he said.

Godisamang pointed to positive media feedback regarding Botswana’s successful delivery of the recent Debswana World Athletics Relays and assured stakeholders that government remained steadfast in building upon such benchmarks to position the country as a premier destination for global and regional sporting spectacles.

He added that the championship also highlighted ongoing progress in gender equity across the region.

“Through the various programmes and competitions supported, including women’s football and other sporting codes, we are demonstrating our commitment to creating equal opportunities for women,” Godisamang said, noting that the rapid rise and competitive success of regional women’s football proves national gender equity initiatives were bearing fruit. ENDS