Babitseng says he will seek broader partnerships and rotated hosting of the COSAFA Cup after being confirmed as the only candidate.
Babitseng’s path to the COSAFA presidency is set, with his candidature moving forward as the race stands without challengers.
In an update shared with Misryoum, Babitseng said he has submitted his nomination and expects all 14 member nations to rally behind him. He framed the period ahead as a chance to present COSAFA as a united regional body, rather than a platform where divisions take root.
Babitseng also outlined what he would prioritise if elected, pointing to the need to secure more partners for the organisation and to rotate the hosting of the COSAFA Cup among member countries. His view is that spreading opportunities across the region can strengthen involvement and participation.
That emphasis on rotation and partnership matters because it affects more than logistics. It shapes how member countries invest in the tournament and how the wider region views COSAFA’s relevance.
Alongside the COSAFA Cup, Babitseng referenced the Mukuru Four Nations tournament as a model. He said the pilot drew participation from COSAFA members, with the inaugural edition last month featuring Botswana, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Babitseng described expectations around his candidature as dependent on full backing from the member nations, arguing that elections should not leave lasting fractures. He added that there has been agreement on the need to show Africa that unity can prevail within COSAFA.
Meanwhile, Misryoum understands that FIFA council members are expected to attend the COSAFA elective congress.
On a separate track, Babitseng said the regional body is still waiting for CAF on the way forward regarding the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations bid. He noted that Botswana and South Africa have submitted a joint interest to host, while Namibia and Zimbabwe are also likely to be part of the process.
Morocco and Ethiopia are also linked with interest in hosting the 2028 edition, Babitseng added. He further pointed out that Botswana failed to secure the 2027 hosting opportunity, which is set to be jointly organised by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The unanswered CAF step makes the next phase uncertain, but it also puts renewed focus on coordination among bidders. For Misryoum readers, the message is clear: COSAFA’s leadership plans and the wider continental calendar are now moving in parallel.