Africa’s historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the focus of Episode 117 of The COSAFA Show, as we bring you a fascinating technical discussion from the CAF Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde.

A record 10 African nations competed at the expanded tournament, with nine reaching the knockout rounds – an unprecedented achievement that showcased the continent’s growing strength on the global stage.

But how close is Africa to producing a World Cup winner, and what still needs to improve?

Former Arsenal manager and FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger is joined by FIFA football performance analyst Arron Ackerman and former Ghana coach Otto Addo, a member of FIFA’s Technical Study Group, to examine the evidence.

They look at the improved tactical discipline and organisation of African teams, the importance of pressing opponents higher up the pitch and the small margins that can decide knockout football.

The discussion also explores the need for more players in attacking positions, better use of chances and the ability to manage crucial moments.

COSAFA has long been at the forefront of innovation in African football, and the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 AFCON | COSAFA Qualifier in Mozambique will provide another example of that pioneering approach.

In this episode of The COSAFA Show, we take a closer look at new video support technology that will be trialled during the tournament, with COSAFA becoming the first CAF Zonal Union to test the system.

Designed to assist referees in making the correct decisions, the technology offers a different approach to the traditional Video Assistant Referee system and could provide another important tool for match officials in the future.

COSAFA Referees Manager Felix Tangarawima joins us to explain how the technology works, how it differs from VAR and why COSAFA has been chosen to lead the trial.

We also hear from two of the region’s leading match officials, South Africa’s Akhona Makalima and Botswana’s Keabetswe Dintwa, who give their views on the use of technology in refereeing and how it can support officials on the pitch.

Also on the episode, we speak to Bolton Wanderers left-back Max Conway, who has set his sights on representing South Africa at international level.

Conway discusses his ambitions to play for Bafana Bafana, his South African connection and what it would mean to pull on the national team jersey.

It is another packed edition of The COSAFA Show, combining innovation, refereeing and international ambition as the region continues to make its mark on African football.

The CAF Women’s Champions League | COSAFA Qualifier Botswana 2026 has delivered plenty of drama on the pitch, but there has also been important work taking place behind the scenes to help grow the game across the region.

Episode 115 of The COSAFA Show Podcast takes a closer look at the legacy programme that accompanies COSAFA tournaments and the development initiatives being staged alongside the competition in Botswana.

A number of workshops have been held during the event, covering key areas such as refereeing, medical training, general co-ordination and scouting, all aimed at strengthening the structures that support football both on and off the field.

To provide an overview of the tournament and the wider development work being done in Botswana, the podcast speaks to Botswana Football Association vice-president and grassroots and amateur football committee member Tebogo Kamati.

Kamati discusses the importance of using major regional tournaments as an opportunity to build capacity and leave a lasting legacy long after the final whistle.

Episode 115 also features Titus Kunamuene, who led the general co-ordinators workshop, offering further insight into the training being provided and the vital role officials play in the successful delivery of competitions.

Listen to Episode 115 of The COSAFA Show Podcast for the full discussion.