The 19th edition of the COSAFA Cup promises to be spectacular and vital preparation for countries who have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Earlier this week the host nation South Africa named a strong squad which includes international-based players Keegan Dolly (Montpellier, France), Kgaogelo Sekgota (Vitoria Setubal, Portugal), Luther Singh (Chaves, Portugal) and Liam Jordan (Loge, Denmark) to show their seriousness in this competition.
There is also Zimbabwe, Uganda, Namibia and Madagascar who are expected to bring their 'A' teams as they prepare of AFCON, which will be played in Egypt next month.
The only disappointment for the tournament is the withdrawal of Angola because of the need to complete their league season as one of their reasons.
Former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker Jerry Sikhosana believes this tournament will be very important as some teams are using it as their final preparations for AFCON.
"COSAFA Cup it a very important competition and this year the qualified teams are using it for their final preparation," Sikhosana tells snl24.com/kickoff. "I see us, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Eswatini [as favourites] but you also can't rule out Madagascar who I believe might be a surprise package."
The tournament will kick off on Saturday afternoon at 16h30 at King Zwelithini Stadium with Eswatini vs Mauritius the opening match. Princess Magogo Stadium will also host some matches with Moses Mabhida Stadium hosting the semifinals and final.