Tinaye Agere
MOZAMBIQUE’S participation in the CAF African Schools Football Championship, COSAFA qualifiers is expected to inspire a generation to seek a professional career in the game, that country’s football federation said.
The schools’ tourney will run at Gateway High School in Harare for three days beginning on December 14.
Mozambique, just like Zimbabwe, were absent from the inaugural competition last year in Malawi. They are now set to make their debut in Harare and go into the zonal qualifiers with high hopes.
Like most countries — they selected their boys’ and girls’ squads from a range of schools —picking the best players from the national qualification stage.
“The competition is crucial for the schools and players because it provides an opportunity to show their skills, interact with other schools and share the values that winning or performing well can enhance our reputation,” reads a statement from the Mozambican Football Federation.
“Additionally, the challenges posed in the competition contribute to our learning and skills development.”
The CAF African Schools Football Championship is played at the Under-15 level.
For the players this is the first exposure to international competition, allowing them to dream of a future in the game at a professional level.
It will be an excellent test against their peers from around the Southern African region and provide a yardstick as to their progress in their football journey.
“We hope it inspires the players to say, ‘it is possible to become a professional’ and that this is a step towards that,” the statement further says.
“There are some players we have previously produced who currently play in the domestic league. “We expect these players to follow suit and to represent the national team at higher age-group levels. We remain optimistic about the potential of our players to make meaningful contributions and proudly represent our country.
“But more than what happens on the pitch, it is also an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange, which will form a key component in Harare.”
The players have already learned valuable lessons in teamwork, problem solving and resilience. The competition has already provided (in the national phase) an environment for them to enhance their skills and adapt to challenges, according to the statement.
Online Reporter