Zimbabwe’s first round exit at the ongoing Africa cup of Nations in Gabon, is a painful reminder of the reality–regarding the status of quo of football in Cosafa region.
The holders of the prestigious CAF Champions league, Mamelodi Sundowns are based in Cosafa. Though, make no mistake to reckon, South, alongside North and West African sits astride the continent.
After all, Sundowns top players, Khama Billiant of Zimbabwe and Uganda’s shotstopper Dennis Onyango board their early flights out of the 2017 Africa Cup of the nations.
The Unión de Federaciones de Fútbol de África Central giants–Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville and DR Congo, have 7 AFCON and 12 CAF Champions league titles between them.
In comparison to UNIFFAC, WAFA and UNAF, the Cosafa region is lagging behind, with only 2 AFCON titles won by South Africa, Zambia in 1996 and 2012 respectively.
Excluding the ABSA Premimiership sides–Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns in 1995 and 2016 respectively, winning CAF Champions league has been a farfetched task to rest of the region.
Cecafa region is at rock bottom
It took 31-years for Ethopia in 2013 and 38-years for Uganda in 2017 to return to the Cup of Nations from exile. Tanzania have been missing out since 1970 while Kenya’s previous participation was in 2004.
The wait for an East African team, to put it’s hands on the AFCON trophy is onn–since 1970. Sudan were the last Africa Cup of nations winners from Cecafa, after Ethiopia in 1962.
At club level, East Africa is jinxed, making the final being it’s highest mark in CAF Champions league. The Gods of football must have departed from this side of our continent.
However, there is some glimmer of hope, as the region keeps on swimming to safety against a raging tide that is threatening to sweep them away.
