Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOOTBALL leadership in Zimbabwe believes that hosting the Cosafa Under-17 tournament from September 11 to 20 will test stakeholders’ resolve to support junior development and build stronger foundations for the future of the game.
The highly anticipated regional competition will bring together 12 nations.
The tournament will not only showcase emerging talent but also serve as a qualifying event for the upcoming Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). The top three teams from this Cosafa tournament will secure spots at Afcon, with a strong finish there potentially leading to qualification for the Fifa U-17 World Cup.
Divided into three groups of four teams each, the matches will be held at two venues: Ngoni Stadium in Norton and The Heart Stadium in Waterfalls.
Speaking during a Cosafa Breakfast Symposium in the capital yesterday, Zifa Secretary-General Yvonne Manwa expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to host the tournament.
“This will be a big tournament for the region, which will also create opportunities for us to qualify for Afcon and the World Cup at Under-17 level. We are working tirelessly to ensure everything is on track,” she said.
The draw for the tournament is scheduled to take place on July 29, 2025 at Cosafa House in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Zifa President Nqobile Magwizi emphasised that hosting the Cosafa Under-17 tournament presents a valuable opportunity for Zimbabwe to reshape its football landscape, particularly at grassroots level.
“Hosting this tournament will be a crucial step in our efforts to provide a platform for nurturing young talent and fostering growth within the sport. We are excited to be hosting such a prestigious tournament, especially at a time when we are resetting our game, with a renewed focus on reviving grassroots football.
“As part of that, we need to create pathways for talent identification and development, and this tournament is a major step in establishing those channels. In addition to hosting, we are actively restructuring our technical departments to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness,” he said.
He said that the tournament would serve as a litmus test for the country’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant football culture.
“We are also excited because the Government is supportive of this initiative. Now we call on corporates and other stakeholders to come on board — we need all hands on deck to make this a success.
“From the grassroots of every community to the global stage, football thrives when we work together. The relationship between governments, football associations, and international bodies like Cosafa, Caf, and Fifa must be a tripartite alliance,” said Magwizi.
Furthermore, hosting the tournament is expected to have a positive impact on tourism.
Magwizi said the Ministry of Tourism is fully supportive of the initiative, which he described as exciting.
“These delegations will obviously engage in a variety of activities that showcase Zimbabwe’s rich heritage and natural beauty,” he said.
Cosafa General Secretary Sue Destombes also called on the corporate world to consider partnering with and investing in such tournaments.
“We need more partners on board. This will not only benefit Cosafa but, more importantly, Zimbabwe and its young talents. There are various packages available, so we urge potential partners to explore which category they are willing to invest in . . . let us take African talent to the global map,” she said.
