The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost the sport in Southern Africa and create more opportunities in the game.
The historic agreement comes on the back of growing interest in the sport in the region following the successful staging of the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship in recent years.
Clearly there is incredible potential for further growth and BSWW will assist by providing expertise and guidance to not only COSAFA, but also its 14 Member Associations (MAs).
BSWW considers COSAFA’s role fundamental for the expansion of the game in the region and for the competitiveness of its MAs at international level and will assist with the organisation of competitions and creation of infrastructure to grow the game.
BSWW will invite COSAFA staff to BSWW Events that take place in Southern Africa, to grow a deeper understanding of Beach Soccer within the organisation, while BSWW representatives will also attend COSAFA tournaments.
“We are thrilled to have signed this MoU with Beach Soccer Worldwide as we have much potential in our region for players, coaches and referees. BSWW have offered their expertise to help us, and our MAs create a roadmap for the future of Beach Soccer in Southern Africa, and to assist in accessing FIFA Development courses,” said Walter Nyamilandu-Manda, Chairman Technical & Development COSAFA.
“We are also excited that BSWW will support Women’s Beach Soccer development in all COSAFA MAs, and possibly create opportunities for players, male and female, from our region to play in some of the best leagues around the world.”
Timothy Shongwe, Chairman of COSAFA’s Competition Committee, says the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship is an important fixture on the organisation’s calendar.
“When we brought back our Beach Soccer Championship in 2021, we hoped it would grow the sport in Southern Africa and this MoU will accelerate that. With Seychelles hosting the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, these are exciting times in our region,” Shongwe said.
Joan Cusco, President of BSWW, said they are eager to tap into the huge potential that exists within the COSAFA region.
“Southern Africa has great potential to make Beach Soccer a major sport. With plenty of talent, resources and strong dedication, this region is ready to become a leading centre for Beach Soccer,” Cusco said.
“They’re working hard to develop the sport, and we can see that with the organisation of the impressive COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship. BSWW is excited to start our collaboration with COSAFA, and together, we aim to build a vibrant Beach Soccer community in the region.”
