COSAFA pushes 2025 Women’s Championship to 2026

The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) has announced the postponement of the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship after failing to secure a host nation for the tournament.

In a letter dated 20 October 2025 and signed by the Association’s Executive Officer, Sue Destombes, COSAFA informed all participating nations that no host is currently available, necessitating the postponement.

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“COSAFA is currently engaging with potential hosts to ensure the successful delivery of this competition,” the letter stated.

The Association has indicated that the tournament is now expected to take place in the first quarter of 2026, with further details to be communicated in due course.

For more than a decade, South Africa has served as the tournament’s host nation. The search for alternative hosts mirrors recent trends seen with some junior tournaments in the region.

Despite the postponement, Malawi’s head coach Lovemore Fazili had already begun preparations for the tournament, including several local-based players in his Women’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers squad.

Fazili had planned to feature graduates from Malawi’s Under-20 team, including Maureen Kenneth, Funny Moyo, Doreen Dickson, Olivia Phikani, Sarah Mlimbika, and Fatima Lali.

He also selected several standout local-based players, notably Deborah Henry, who earned her first call-up following impressive performances in the National Bank of Malawi National Women’s Premiership. Other notable inclusions are Shira Mangani, Justina Jumbo, Fanny Magombo, Sharon Dzimau, and Catherine Kachala.