This year’s Under 20 Cosafa tournament is becoming controversial in almost everything, it has been observed.
Fresh from Malawi’s controversial exit after a dubious coin tossing, other countries Namibia and Zambia have also suffered heavy blow after suspension of their head coaches by Cosafa Organizing committee.
The two have been suspended from the remainder of the 2008Metropolitan Cosafa Youth Championship following a hearing in Kimberley during which they reportedly admitted guilty of funny behavior.
Malawi which was participating at the tourney is no longer there after being ousted dubiously at tossing of a coin.
Malawi faired very well winning against Mauritius 4-0 in the first game of their group, drawing with defending champions Zimbabwe, before hammering Botswana3-2. This resulted in a tie with Zimbabwe who also won against Mauritius 2-0 and Botswana. And in a funny way of breaking the tie, Cosafa used tossing of a coin as opposed to the traditional goal difference or play offs. Malawi lost the toss and got exited from the tournament last Wednesday.

Kick off website reported there was an outburst directed at match officials in the course of the 3-3 draw against Swaziland on Saturday and the Namibian coach was fined R10,000 (K150 000) on top of suspension from participating in the country’s next three Cosafa fixtures at any level (age-group or senior).

Zambian coach, Oswald Mutapa, received a slightly heftier R15, 000 (K225.000) fine and was suspended for the Young Chipolopolo’s final Group A match against Lesotho last Wednesday, in addition to a being banned from Zambia’s next three Cosafa sanctioned fixtures.

Ironically Cosafa Organising Committee says this is part of its continuation of zero tolerance towards behaviour that impedes efforts to raise the highest standards of football in the region.
Committee member, Timothy Shogwe said, “Cosafa is focused on its primary goal of football development.
“Development needs to be addressed not only in the game but also in administration, management, officiating to ensure the highest standards are reached and maintained.
“We are sending a clear message that unacceptable behaviour towards match officials will not be tolerated under any circumstances, particularly in the context of age-group football, where coaches have a duty to set the right example for their players.”