Online Reporter
Sports Reporter
IT will be showtime in Harare this week as some of the continent’s best young talent will be paraded at Gateway High School from tomorrow until April 10.
Excitement continued to build in the capital yesterday as all 16 participating nations for the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals Zimbabwe 2026 have officially arrived in the country ahead of the much-anticipated kick-off tomorrow.
The fourth edition of the finals of Africa’s largest schools football programme will also see some matches being taken to Ngoni Stadium in Norton.
The arrival of the teams marks a significant milestone as the continent’s finest young talents prepare to battle for top honours in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of youth football, learning and relationship building.
With less than 48 hours to kick-off, tournament hosts Zimbabwe welcome defending champions Tanzania (Boys) and Ghana (Girls), alongside the rest of the qualified nations, setting the stage for a vibrant celebration of African youth football and continental unity.
Following the official draw conducted in Harare, which confirmed the tournament fixtures, anticipation has reached new heights as teams gear up for what is expected to be a fiercely contested tournament.
Off the pitch, CAF’s commitment to holistic development continues to take centre stage through the continental football body’s capacity-building programmes, which are underway in Harare. These programmes bring together young players, coaches, referees and educators from across the continent, offering a series of training sessions and workshops aimed at strengthening African football development structures
Speaking ahead of the start of the tournament, CAF director of member associations Sarah Mukuna said: “The CAF African Schools Football Championship is not only about competition, but about creating opportunities for young people to grow both on and off the field.
“Through our capacity-building initiatives, we are investing in the future of African football by equipping participants with valuable skills that extend beyond the game. The arrival of all 16 teams marks an exciting milestone as we build up to an exciting tournament.”
Blending elite youth competition with education and development, the tournament continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of African football.
With the teams now settled, fixtures confirmed and excitement sweeping across the host city, all is set for a spectacular fourth edition of this growing tournament.
Hosts Zimbabwe will be aiming to build on their regional success in the girls’ section when they make their historic debut appearance at the finals. The team has been in camp preparing for the continental championship, with coach Irene Mwanza retaining the core of the squad that secured success at regional level.
Key players for Zimbabwe will include Legends Academy forward and Herentals College learner Dee Winnie Mapuwa, who scored six goals during the qualifiers.
Despite still being 14 years old, Mapuwa also featured in the COSAFA Under-17 Championship, where she finished as the second top scorer of the tournament.
In addition, Mapuwa and Makanaka Zizipi were named in the Girls Team of the Tournament Best XI. All eyes will be on Mapuwa to drive the hosts’ girls team as they seek to make an impression on debut.
Zimbabwe will begin their Group A campaign with a tough assignment against Morocco (kick-off 12.20pm), while Zambia battle the Democratic Republic of Congo. — Sports Reporter/cafonline.com.
