The fifth edition of the COSAFA-Cup , officially COSAFA Castle Cup 2001 , took place from June 10th to September 30th, 2001 . Eight teams from South Africa played for the title of South African champion. Angola won its second title. The preliminary round took place from February 11th to April 29th.
For the final round of the tournament, the top three from the last tournament were automatically qualified. The remaining eight participants played in the first round, the four winners and the best loser qualified for the finals. The tournament was continued in the knockout system.
1st round / qualification
The first round took place from February 11th to April 29th, 2001. Swaziland, Malawi, Mauritius and South Africa qualified for the finals. Zambia entered the tournament as the best loser.