By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:The Confederation of Schools Sports Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games 2025 are being hosted in Eswatini starting August 24 to August 27, with an anticipated 1,000 delegates set to converge at Somhlolo Stadium and Olympia Africa in Lobamba.

In a press statement, Lucky Dlamini, the COSSASA Executive representative and Treasurer of the Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA) expressed excitement about Eswatini’s return as host of the prestigious regional event for the first time since 2019.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Southern African region back to Eswatini for the COSSASA Games 2025.This is an opportunity to showcase our nation’s hospitality, our vibrant youth talent, and our commitment to fostering sports development across the region. We invite everyone to come and witness the energy and passion of our young athletes,” he said.

The COSSASA Games, a celebrated regional competition, will feature athletes from six confirmed countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Eswatini, and Namibia. The games will include disciplines such as athletics, basketball, netball, volleyball, and soccer, with competitions for Under-18, Under-16, and Under-14 age categories. Accreditation of athletes is already underway to ensure a smooth and organised event.

The Local Organising Committee is calling on companies, organisations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and vendors to seize the opportunity to exhibit at the event. Corporate stalls are priced at R1,000 per day or R4,000 for the full four-day event, while street vendor stalls are available for a flat rate of R400 for all four days. With limited space available, exhibitors are urged to contact the Local Organising Committee’s  marketing team lead at 76734034 or 79734034 to secure their spots on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Additionally, corporates interested in sponsoring the event in exchange for prominent branding opportunities at the venues are encouraged to reach out via email at cossasa2025@outlook.com or by contacting the aforementioned phone numbers directly.

Members of the public are invited to join the excitement, with the games officially opening to spectators on August 24. Entrance is free.

The event is organised by the Eswatini Schools Sports Association (ESSA) in collaboration with key partners, including the Eswatini Sports and Recreational Council, the Ministry of Education, the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association, the Royal Eswatini Police Services, Emergency Medical Services 977, the Ministry of Health, with support from INSTACASH, Premier Foods, and OncAura Wellness Centre, among others.