The Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) is mourning following the death of its inaugural president Ismail Bhamjee from Botswana.
According to COSAFA secretary-general Sue Destombes, South African-born Bhamjee passed away on Friday morning, two months after his brother Abdul died.
“It is with great sadness that we have learned this morning of Ismail’s passing. Ismail has remained a loyal friend of COSAFA over the years. Our sincere condolences to Mrs Bhamjee and the family,” Destombes said.
Bhamjee held various roles at FIFA including being a member of the World Cup Organising Committee. He also served in the CAF and FIFA executive committees.
He was a referee in the old South African Soccer League (SASL) before leaving South Africa to settle in Botswana during the 1970s. He later became general-secretary and president of the Botswana Football Association.
In 2004, Bhamjee failed in his attempt to ascend to the CAF presidency. He lost to former CAF president Issa Hayatou. Two years later, Bhamjee fell from grace after he was busted by a journalist selling FIFA World Cup tickets in Germany.
