Morena Ramoreboli Happy with Shortened COSAFA Cup Format!

Morena Ramoreboli Happy with Shortened COSAFA Cup Format! The competition has changed as of this year.

The COSAFA Cup officially kicked off last week. Bafana Bafana coach Morena Ramoreboli is pleased that the tournament has been shorted to a maximum of five matches.

The competition takes place outside of the FIFA calendar, so local teams are usually reluctant to let go of their players. Especially because pre-season preparations are underway, and coaches want all their players.

With the shortened version of the COSAFA Cup, there are three group stage matches, followed by the semi-finals and final itself. This means that players and coaches will be able to head back to their teams quicker.

“I think maybe when you look at it in another way, it’s even good for all the teams because, like I say, while other teams are in pre-season, they have allowed us to have their players so it means we must keep them active and while doing that you are preparing them for the season,” Ramoreboli told SABC Sport.

“So, for you to get to the final, you must play four matches. Three games in the group stage, one semi-final and then the final, so it’s good.

“At the same time, for me, I think it has also shortened the program, which is very good for us because [the players] really need to go back to their clubs. But as they are representing their country, they must give their all and make sure that we get the positive results.” He added.

Bafana drew 1-1 with Namibia in their first group game. Morena Ramoreboli Happy with Shortened COSAFA Cup Format!