From MOSES CHIMFWEMBE In Rustenburg, South Africa –
BAFANA Bafana coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba has tipped Chipolopolo to win the ongoing 15th edition of the COSAFA Senior Challenge.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe veteran striker Peter Ndlovu, challenged COSAFA to produce good quality players that are capable of breaking through to the European elite leagues even if the tournament is not recognised on the FIFA calendar.
Mashaba, who became first South African coach to win the COSAFA title in 2002, said during a press briefing at Sun City International Hotel here yesterday that coach Honour Janza has assembled a formidable side that is capable of retaining the title.
“Zambia are favourites to win the tournament because they have a good team with good players,” Mashaba said.
Mashaba, widely known for his experience in nurturing talent in the developmental teams, said pressure was on the host nation to deliver positive results as they take on Botswana in the quarter-finals today.
“It is always a disadvantage to play at home because there’s too much pressure on our shoulders but I think this is an opportunity for young players to develop,” Mashaba said.
Ndlovu, the COSAFA ambassador, who is regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s best players ever alongside Norman Mapeza and Bruce Grobelaar, said he benefitted from the COSAFA tournament to break through to English football where he played for Sheffield United, Coventry City and Birmingham City.
“The COSAFA Cup is a good platform for the young players to flourish and for me; it elevated my status to the extent that I was able to attract English clubs. So this is a challenge to COSAFA to ensure that this region produces good players to play into the top European leagues,” Ndlovu said.
Malawi’s Esau ‘Boxer’ Kanyenda who plies his trade at the South African PSL side Polokwane City said the tournament is a consolation to regional teams that cannot qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
“The COSAFA tournament has helped me to develop since we have been failing to qualify for the Africa Cup but I shunned this year’s edition to allow youngsters to get exposed,” Kanyenda said.