The HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship will return for the second year in a row when the 2022 edition is played in Durban from September 25-October 1.

It will be the third championship in all after the first one was played in Seychelles in 2015 and will serve as the perfect warm-up to the 2022 Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations that will be held in Mozambique from October 21-30.

The continental competition will contain three COSAFA sides – aside from hosts Mozambique, there will also be 2015 African champions Madagascar and debutants Malawi.

“We are delighted to be back in Durban for the second year running as we host the latest instalment of the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship,” says Mme Sue Destombes, COSAFA Secretary General.

“The growth of Beach Soccer in Africa and around the world has been steady over the last few years and a sign of the growing popularity of this version of football. As COSAFA, we are always seeking to help our members gain international exposure and grow all forms of football in their territories, and this is another sign of that.

“We also understand the importance of this event, coming just weeks before the continental championships are hosted by our very own member association Mozambique.”

Durban will host the COSAFA competition for the second year in a row, and provides both warm, welcoming beaches and superb infrastructure with which to welcome what is expected to be eight teams.

That would see the competition played in two groups of four teams, with a battle on the sand to be crowned champions.

That honour is currently held by Mozambique, who defeated East African guest nation Tanzania in the final on Durban’s South Beach last year.   The match brought to an end a thrilling competition that was both hugely entertaining but also showcased the incredible skills in the region.

Mozambique added to the silver medal they won at the 2021 CAF Beach Soccer Cup of Nations which earned them a place at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Russia last year.

The Mambas are the second team to lift the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Beach Soccer Championship after Madagascar won the inaugural event in 2015.

The CAF competition has been played sporadically since 2006, with Senegal winning six of the 10 previous editions to go along with two wins for Nigeria and one each for Cameroon and Madagascar.

Another COSAFA nation, Seychelles, are hoping to be confirmed as hosts of the 2023 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the near future.