COSAFA Cup to proceed despite attacks

Mqondisi Dube | Friday April 24, 2015 14:01

COSAFA chief executive officer, Sue Destombes said they have not received any intentions of withdrawal from participating countries.

The deadly violence has claimed seven lives thus far since attacks on foreigners began in KwaZulu Natal a fortnight ago.

“No. There have not been (any withdrawals). As with any international event in South Africa, security measures are governed by the Sporting Events Act and as such, the COSAFA Cup has been notified to the various security authorities.  “The South African Football Association (SAFA) will take direction from these authorities,” Destombes said, responding to a questionnaire from Mmegi Sport. She said they had not at any stage re-considered hosting the event due to the xenophobic attacks, which have drawn widespread condemnation.

There were fears that affected countries, particularly Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe would reconsider their involvement in the tournament. Mozambique responded to the attacks by closing its border with South Africa while South Africans resident in Mozambique were evacuated as locals threatened revenge.

But, COSAFA organisers have vowed to use the tournament to “heal wounds of the region”.

In a statement, COSAFA said it would be counterproductive to shelve the regional tournament, which takes place in South Africa’s northwest province from May 17 to 30.  “But football being a bridge-builder, we should, in solidarity, encourage SAFA and COSAFA to host the tournament in South Africa as planned.

“By so doing demonstrating that as Africans we are against those barbaric acts and that COSAFA is determined to assist normalising the situation,” COSAFA senior executive committee member, John Muinjo said in the media statement.

Botswana play South Africa in the quarter-finals in Moruleng on May 24 after both teams received byes in the group stages due to their favourable rankings.

If the Zebras beat Bafana Bafana, they face either Mozambique or Malawi in the semi finals. Moruleng Stadium hosts the final on May 30.