From left: New Deputy Executive Director Francis Makonese, COSAFA President Artur de Almeida e Silva and COSAFA Executive Director Sue Destombes

COSAFA is delighted to unveil Francis Makonese as Deputy Executive Director following a rigorous recruitment process.

Makonese comes with a strong background in law and sports management. He has a law degree from Nelson Mandela University and a postgraduate qualification in sports management from the FIFA/CIES Executive Program.

He therefore possesses a valued combination of legal expertise and sports industry knowledge.

Makonese has previously engaged with COSAFA in various capacities, demonstrating his commitment to the growth and development of sports in the region.

He began his journey with COSAFA by volunteering at the grassroots level and organising Under-15 girls’ football tournaments as part of the COSAFA Legacy Programmes.

Over time, Francis’s involvement with COSAFA expanded, and he contributed to the organisation’s legislative changes to be in line with the international standards as required by the Confederation of African Football.

Makonese excels in analysing and reporting the impact of various tournaments organised by COSAFA.