Fourteen countries from mainly the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will go into the hat for the championships set for October.Among those expected at the draw are representatives of the reigning champions, Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors, Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia.
Over the years, the tournament has produced several players, some of whom are now plying their trade in Europe and other lucrative world football leagues.The likes of Collin Mbesuma of Zambia, Benjani Mwaruwari (Manchester City, England), Tinashe Nengomasha and Onsimor Bhasera (both Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), and Esrom Nyandoro (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), all from Zimbabwe, were groomed through the Metropolitan COSAFA games.
The sponsors of the tournament have been improving their support every year, ranging from air transport fares, prize money, kits, accommodation and food.–CAJ News.