A big COSAFA welcome to the Minister of Sports, Arts a Culture of South Africa the Hon. Nathi Mthethwa. In Port Elizabeth during the recent Women’s tournament it was the first time that a sitting Minister had attended a COSAFA tournament in South Africa and today is the first time our Meeting has been graced by a Minister. • • A big welcome to my good friend Gianni and your esteemed Team thank you for gracing us with your presence.

• Emphasis on the Pandemic

• 3yrs ago Gianni came to my birthday party in Harare. It was a memorable, unforgettable affair, still a “moment in time”.
• 6yrs ago in 2015 Sue our SG tells me you stood in this very room and presented yourself as Candidate for FIFA President. I was also in the room as then ZIFA President. You have come full circle with COSAFA!
• Our friendship was consummated then as I saw huge potential in you , the then UEFA SG and we struck a lifelong code that has withstood the test of time.
• Over time so much has happened – Covid has affected us and Football but COSAFA still remarkably managed to organise, with South Africa as Host, not 1 not 2 but FOUR tournaments over a 6-week period in 2020 at the peak of the Pandemic globally.
• 2021 will be a busy year for Football in general and for COSAFA in particular with CAF Elections in March, our own Elections in December and several Regional tournaments as well as AFCON in between.

. Our Women’s and Youth tournaments could not and would not have been possible without the foresight of “THIS MAN” Gianni Infantino who in 2015 attended the COSAFA General Assembly, heard of the challenges of the Zonal Union and saw the merits in supporting them….and he put his/FIFA’s money where his mouth was. His Manifesto said he would provide support for the Zonal Unions and he has implemented what he spoke of.

Long live Gianni Infantino and your geniousness, God bless you abundantly.