SPORTS – THE refurbished Somhlolo National Stadium will take centre stage next week as Eswatini hosts the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games, with the OlympAfrica Centre in Lobamba also set to stage events.
Young Athletes to Compete at COSSASA Games Eswatini 2025
From 23–29 August, the country will welcome over 1 000 young athletes from seven nations for the prestigious multi-sport competition, which brings together school-going athletes aged between 13 and 19 from across the SADC region.
Eswatini School Sports Association and the COSSASA Games 2025
Eswatini School Sports Association (ESSA) President Zakhele Myeni confirmed that the games village would be based at the University of Eswatini’s Kwaluseni campus, just 20 minutes from the competition venues.
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Participating Nations at the Eswatini COSSASA Games
Participating countries include hosts Eswatini, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia and Zambia. Myeni revealed that Lesotho, Malawi and Zimbabwe would compete in all five sporting codes – football, netball, volleyball, basketball and athletics.
Event Schedule for COSSASA Games Eswatini 2025
The schedule will see teams arrive on 23 August, with accreditation and a welcome dinner on the 24th. The official opening ceremony and the start of competition will take place on the 25th, followed by two days of intense action before the closing ceremony on 27 August. Teams will depart on the 28th.
The Impact of COSSASA Games Eswatini on Youth and Tourism
The COSSASA Games aim to promote grassroots sport development, foster cultural exchange and provide international exposure for young athletes. Many who have competed at this level have gone on to represent their nations at continental and global events, including the African Youth Games and Youth Olympics.
With over 40 officials accompanying the athletes, the event is also expected to provide an economic boost through sports tourism. Myeni emphasised that the games are not only about competition but also about building unity and nurturing talent in the region.
“Hosting these games is a great honour for Eswatini. We are ready to showcase our hospitality, facilities and the incredible talent of our young sportsmen and women,” Myeni said.
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