Online Reporter
THE Confédération of African Football continue to demonstrate the transformative power of football through the CAF African Schools Football Championship, with tournament prize money driving measurable improvements in education and facilities across the continent’s learning institutions.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental finals will take place in Harare, from April 6–10.
It is the first time that Zimbabwe will be staging this prestigious grassroots football tournament that brings together the best Under-15 school-based talent on the continent.
Winners of the Continental Finals of the CAF African Schools Football Championship in both the boys and girls categories receive US$300 000, with runners-up receiving US$200 000, while third-place finishers each receive US$150 000.
Added to this, there is also prize money for the Zonal Phase teams, US$100 000 for the winners, US$75 000 for the runners-up and US$50 000 to the team that finishes third.
Aligned with CAF’s strategic focus on youth development, all prize monies awarded are strictly ring-fenced for non-professional football projects that enhance both education and football infrastructure.
This deliberate approach ensures that CAF delivers a sustainable legacy, empowering schools to create improved learning conditions and nurturing the next generation of African leaders.
Since the programme’s 2022 inception, upgrades across African schools include improved classrooms, enhanced sports infrastructure and access to better learning resources — directly contributing to more significantly improved educational environments, thanks to the Motsepe Foundation.
CAF have also ensured that the young talent will not be short of motivation from some of the game’s legends, who are also idolised by young players.
The tournament set for Gateway High School will be elevated by the presence of a distinguished team of African football legends, set to mentor and inspire the continent’s rising stars.
Amongst the various roles, the former international stars will directly engage with players and coaches both on and off the field as part of the qualified teams’ unique and exclusive experience at the tourney.
Leading the line-up of legends are host nation icons, Esrom Nyandoro and Rudo Neshamba, whose achievements continue to inspire generations of Zimbabwean players.
Nyandoro starred for and captained the Warriors as did Neshamba with the Mighty Warriors.
They are joined by Zambian striker Nchumunya Mweetwa, a prolific forward known for his sharp finishing in front of goal, and Tunisian defender Karim Haggui, who brings valuable European experience from the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen and Hannover 96.
Adding flair to the line-up is DR Congo’s Trésor Lualua, remembered for his exciting spells with Newcastle United and Portsmouth FC, where he lifted the FA Cup in 2008.
The finals will also feature leading figures from women’s football, including Ivorian trailblazer Clémentine Touré, who guided Côte d’Ivoire to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, and reigning CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, Lamia Boumehdi, a respected figure in the game in Africa.
South African icon Amanda Dlamini, former captain of the women’s national team, will also share her expertise, alongside compatriot Siphiwe Tshabalala, whose memorable goal in Africa’s first ever FIFA World Cup in 2010 lives long in the rich history of the game on the continent.
Tanzanian goalkeeper Sophia Mwasikili completes the line-up as a respected leader and consistent performer.
Aligned with CAF’s strategic focus on youth development, all prize monies awarded are strictly ring-fenced for non-professional football projects that enhance both education and football infrastructure.
Over 3,160,000 Boys and Girls have participated in the Programme since 2022, making it the biggest schools football competition globally. A total of 142 360 school teams from 49 African countries have taken part in the programme.
CAF African Schools Football Championship Zimbabwe 2026
Continental Finals Legends:
Esrom Nyandoro, Rudo Neshamba (Zimbabwe), Clementine Toure (Cote d’Ivoire), Trésor Lualua (DR Congo), Lamia Boumehdi (Morocco) Amanda Dlamini, Siphiwe Tshabalala (South Africa), Sophia Mwasikili (Tanzania), Karim Haggui (Tunisia), Nchumunya Mweetwa (Zambia). — Sports Reporter/cafonline.com
