South Football Association (SAFA) over the weekend during a roundtable meeting turned its back on hosting this year’s COSAFA Cups.
SAFA explained that their decision is due to the fact that the tournaments drain government resources and therefore hinder them from accessing funding.
The Association’s CEO Tebogo Motlanthe said that hosting the COSAFA tournaments diverts government money for their national teams.
“We are saying, let us not be burdened with tournaments which we have not bid for….. Because at some point, they go against our own priorities as the association,” Motlanthe said as quoted by SABC Sports.
However, in response, the Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) says it “has noted with concern the unfortunate statements” made by SAFA.
“COSAFA wishes to confirm that it is determined to clear any misunderstandings which may have arisen with SAFA. To this end, the COSAFA leadership is pursuing bilateral talks with SAFA to iron out any differences so that the matter can be resolved amicably,’ read part of the statement.
“COSAFA remains committed to delivering on its mandate of developing football in Southern Africa. Bringing together its 14 member associations to realise its shared dream of conquering African football.”
South Africa has hosted all the regional tournaments in the last five years.
