AUSC Region 5

Momentum is not always measured by medals or milestones.

Sometimes, it begins with a conversation that strengthens cooperation.
A partnership that creates new opportunities.
A commitment to clean sport.
And leaders working together to prepare the next generation.

This week across Region 5 reflected that spirit.

Stronger connections.
Shared ambitions.
New opportunities.
One region moving with purpose.

From preparations for Maputo 2026 to the recognition of women in sport, every story reinforces the importance of collaboration in building a stronger sporting future.

The journey continues.
The connections grow.
And Southern Africa keeps moving forward—together.

Full Notes of the Week are now available.

Access: auscregion5.com

A REGION 5 WOMAN RISES TO THE TOP OF AFRICA

Botswana’s Kelebogile Matolela has won the 2026 Women Excellence in Sport for Peace and Development Award, presented during the 5th Arise Women of Africa Symposium in Cape Town.

Kelebogile was recognised for using sport, technology and environmental stewardship to create social change — from addressing gender-based violence through Olympic Values Education to advancing sustainable sport and opportunities for women in technology.

This achievement is bigger than an individual award.

It demonstrates what becomes possible when women from our Region are given the opportunity to lead, innovate and use sport to solve real challenges within their communities.

The African Union Sports Council Region 5 congratulates Kelebogile on this outstanding continental recognition.

Her victory is Botswana’s pride, the Region’s inspiration and Africa’s progress.

Together, we are building a Region where sport does more than produce champions — it changes lives.

♦ MAPUTO 2026 HAS ENTERED THE DELIVERY PHASE
The Regional Organising Committee’s readiness mission for the Region 5 Youth Games has concluded in Maputo.
Over five days, representatives of AUSC Region 5, the Government of Mozambique, the Local Organising Committee and participating countries assessed the areas critical to the successful delivery of the Games: sports venues, accommodation, transport, accreditation, health, security, competition, inclusion, ceremonies, communications and community engagement.
The priorities are defined. Responsibilities are clear. The next deadlines have been set.
“This was not a mission of celebration, but one of decision and accountability. The work of the mission on the ground has concluded; what begins now is the phase in which every commitment must become a concrete delivery for the athletes.”
— Júlio Mendes, Permanent Secretary of Mozambique’s Ministry of Youth and Sports
From 4 to 13 December 2026, Maputo will welcome a new generation of athletes from the ten Region 5 countries.
The next major milestone is the official launch of the Games on 10 September.
The measure of progress is simple: put athletes at the centre of every decision and turn commitments into results.

♦ MAPUTO 2026 ENTROU NO TEMPO DAS ENTREGAS
Terminou, em Maputo, a missão de prontidão do Comité Organizador Regional dos Jogos da Juventude da Região 5.
Durante cinco dias, representantes da AUSC Region 5, do Governo de Moçambique, do Comité Organizador Local e dos países participantes avaliaram as áreas essenciais para a realização dos Jogos: instalações desportivas, alojamento, transportes, acreditação, saúde, segurança, competição, inclusão, cerimónias, comunicação e envolvimento das comunidades.
As prioridades estão definidas. As responsabilidades estão clarificadas. Os próximos prazos estão estabelecidos.
“Esta não foi uma missão de celebração, mas de decisão e responsabilização. O trabalho da missão no terreno terminou; começa agora a fase em que cada compromisso deve transformar-se numa entrega concreta para os atletas.”
— Júlio Mendes, Secretário Permanente do Ministério da Juventude e Desporto de Moçambique
De 4 a 13 de Dezembro de 2026, Maputo receberá uma nova geração de atletas dos dez países da Região 5.
O próximo grande marco será o lançamento oficial dos Jogos, no dia 10 de Setembro.
A medida do progresso será simples: colocar os atletas no centro de cada decisão e transformar compromissos em resultados.

Ambassador Jovelina Imperial expressed her readiness to support the preparation process for Team Angola at Maputo 2026 and requested the formalisation of the matters discussed, strengthening institutional coordination between the parties.

Sport can build something that no medal table can measure: relationships that cross borders and continue beyond the Games.

At Maputo 2026, we want athletes, young people, schools and institutions to be part of that journey.

Maputo 2026 will be about more than competition. Team Angola will have the opportunity to connect with Mozambican youth, share culture and experiences, and build relationships that can continue long after the Games.

Because regional integration begins with people. 🇦🇴🇲🇿

Angola and AUSC Region 5 strengthen cooperation ahead of Maputo 2026

The Ambassador of Angola to Mozambique, H.E. Jovelina Imperial, received AUSC Region 5 CEO Stanley Mutoya to discuss Team Angola’s participation in the Region 5 Youth Games – Maputo 2026.

The meeting highlighted institutional cooperation and the role of sport, youth and culture in bringing the region closer together.

Maputo 2026: United by Sport, Connected by Youth.

THE GAMES END. THE CONNECTIONS WE BUILD SHOULD NOT.

When Team Angola arrives in Maputo, they will find more than opponents, competition venues and crowds.

They will also find young Mozambicans waiting to meet them.

As part of Maputo 2026, the ambition is to connect Team Angola with a Mozambican school — creating an opportunity for students to discover more about Angola's culture, music and traditions, and for Angolan athletes to meet, listen to and share their experiences with a new generation of Mozambicans.

And there is a bigger ambition:

for that relationship to continue after the Games.

This was among the ideas discussed when Her Excellency Jovelina Imperial, Ambassador of Angola to Mozambique, received AUSC Region 5 CEO Stanley Mutoya in Maputo.

Their conversation covered Team Angola's participation, youth and cultural exchange and institutional coordination towards Maputo 2026.

AUSC Region 5 also requested the designation of an Embassy liaison to support coordination relating to Team Angola. Ambassador Imperial expressed readiness to support the process and requested formal communication to facilitate the necessary institutional follow-up.

But behind this meeting lies a larger story.

Regional integration does not happen only between governments and institutions.

It happens when a young Mozambican discovers Angola.

When an Angolan athlete walks into a Mozambican school.
When culture crosses a border.

And when a relationship created through sport survives the final whistle.

That is the opportunity of Maputo 2026.

The Games will last days.

What we build between people can last much longer.