With a vision that sees potential where others see limits and a determination that turns plans into action, Sue Destombes has quietly transformed Southern African football over the past three decades. From her childhood in Durban, she carried a sense of purpose that would guide her through industries, continents, and football arenas alike. For her, leadership has never been about titles; it has always been about impact and the lives touched along the way. Her influence is felt not only in tournaments and programmes but in the people she inspires.
Beginning her professional journey in the insurance industry, Destombes developed skills in organisation, planning, and client engagement that would later become invaluable in sports administration. She approached every task with meticulous attention and a desire to create tangible results, qualities that drew attention beyond her immediate field. It was during this time that she began volunteering for local sports programmes and small football events, applying her organisational expertise to competitions and community initiatives. These experiences revealed her aptitude for leadership in sports and sparked a lasting passion for football administration.
Gradually moving from part-time involvement to a full-time career in football, Destombes joined the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), where her early contributions quickly distinguished her. Rising through the ranks, she assumed the role of Executive Director and Secretary-General around 2012. In this position, she oversaw tournaments, coordinated development programmes, and implemented operational strategies that strengthened the organisation’s credibility and reach across the region. Her steady ascent reflected not only talent but a consistent ability to turn vision into results.
Her leadership, defined by inclusivity and foresight, has transformed football across Southern Africa. She has championed opportunities for men, women, and youth, while investing deeply in the growth of referees, coaches, and administrators. Football, under her guidance, has become more than a sport; it has evolved into a profession, a platform for social mobility, and a space where talent is nurtured and celebrated. The ripple effect of her work is evident in the number of players and officials who now have pathways to success.
Recognition of her contributions has been both significant and well-deserved. In 2025, Destombes received the Forbes Woman Africa Sports Award, highlighting her role in elevating Southern African football and opening doors for women in leadership. The award acknowledged her ability to challenge norms while maintaining authority, empathy, and vision, a rare combination that has defined her influence on the game and the wider sports community.
Her impact on women’s football, in particular, stands out as a defining legacy. By expanding tournaments, creating educational programmes, and establishing clear pathways for young female athletes, Destombes has brought visibility and credibility to a once-overlooked segment of the sport. Today, aspiring players see not just a sport but a possible career, inspired by her example and confident that the game can be both competitive and empowering.
Even now, her influence continues to shape football across the continent. Through her engagements with FIFA and CAF committees, she helps design policies, programmes, and opportunities far beyond Southern Africa. Her journey from Durban to the forefront of regional football is not simply a story of professional success; it is a story of purpose, resilience, and leadership that invests in people. Every tournament, programme, and opportunity she creates adds to a legacy that will continue to define the region’s football for years to come.
