Just hours after stepping foot on Mauritian soil on Thursday, February 13, COSAFA Executive Director Susan Destombes paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to meet with Minister Deven Nagalingum and Junior Minister Karen Foo Kune-Bacha.

This brief visit, however, opened up new perspectives. The minister listened attentively to Mrs. Destombes’ presentation on the various COSAFA programs.

She particularly emphasized the CAF African Schools Football Championship, aimed at U15 teams and held for the first time in 2022. The championship takes place in three phases: the first involves a national tournament in both genders, with the respective winners then competing at the zonal level, where they will eventually try to secure their place in the continental phase.

“This could be a very interesting program for Mauritius. However, its implementation requires close collaboration between the government, through the respective ministries of Sports and Education, and the body responsible for football,” said Mrs. Destombes.

She also mentioned the Region 5 Games. These are held annually, alternating between U17 and U20 categories. This year in Namibia, it will focus on the U20 category.

At least ten disciplines will be involved, including men’s and women’s football, athletics, basketball, swimming, e-sports, and more. An invitation was extended for Mauritius to be represented.

“Eventually, the island could, why not, host an edition of the Region 5 Games as well. In the past, Mauritius has already hosted COSAFA events. You have the infrastructure, and, of course, we would love to be able to return to your country for a competition.”

Considering the potential of COSAFA programs to serve as a driving force for our young athletes, Minister Deven Nagalingum and Junior Minister Karen Foo Kune-Bacha welcomed Mrs. Destombes’s ideas and proposals with great enthusiasm.