Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA and COSAFA yesterday took a giant step in preparing for Zimbabwe’s staging of the Total Energies Under-17 AFCON 2026 COSAFA qualifiers with the bodies hosting a breakfast symposium in Harare that sought to galvanise the support of government and the corporate sector.
The tournament which this year is also serving as qualifier for the CAF AFCON Under-17 tourney, has been pencilled in for The Heart stadium in Harare and Ngoni in Norton from September 11-20 with 12 teams confirming their participation.
Three top teams from the COSAFA competition will advance to the AFCON Under-17.
Host president Nqobile Magwizi set the tone for both yesterday’s symposium and the staging of the competition during his welcome remarks in which he also highlighted the significance of the regional junior competition as a launchpad for players’ exposure and growth.
Magwizi, emphasised that hosting the COSAFA Under-17 tournament presents a pivotal opportunity for Zimbabwe to reshape the domestic football landscape, particularly at the grassroots level.
He articulated a vision focused on revitalising the foundations of Zimbabwean football and underscored the importance of establishing clear pathways for both talent identification and development.
“Hosting this tournament will be a crucial step in our endeavour of providing a platform for nurturing young talent and fostering growth within the sport,” Magwizi said.
“We are excited to be hosting such a prestigious tournament especially at a time when we are resetting our game, with the imminent thrust being to revive the grassroots.
“So as part of that, we need to create the pathways for talent identification and growth hence this tournament is a major step in creating those conduits.
“In addition to hosting the tournament we are actively restructuring our technical departments to enhance our operational efficiency and effectiveness.”
By taking the bold step to host the tournament, ZIFA aim to ensure that their rebuilding efforts align with the principal goal of advancing football in Zimbabwe.
The tournament, said Magwizi, will serve as a launchpad for demonstrating ZIFA’s commitment to their set objectives and also showcase their intentions for the future.
He added the tournament will be a litmus test for their dedication in fostering a vibrant football culture in the country.
“We are also excited because the Government is supportive of this move, so now we call on the corporates and other stakeholders to come on board because we need all hands on deck to make it possible,” said Magwizi.
“From the grassroots of every community to the global stage, football thrives when we work together so the relationship between Governments, Football Associations and international bodies like COSAFA, CAF and FIFA must be a tripartite alliance.”
The ZIFA boss pointed to the potential impact on sport tourism, which the tourney will bring.
Magwizi said the Ministry of Tourism is fully supportive of the initiative which he described as exciting.
The Ministry of Tourism’s involvement is crucial in ensuring that the necessary facilities and services are in place to accommodate the teams.
Additionally, this not only promises to boost tourism but also positions Zimbabwe as a leader in regional cooperation and hospitality.
COSAFA executive director Sue Destombes called on the corporate world to consider partnering and investing in such tournaments.
“We need more partners on board, this will not only benefit COSAFA but most importantly Zimbabwe and the young talents,” she said.
“There are various packages available so we just urge the potential partners to see which category they are willing to invest in . . . let us take African talent to the global map.”
ZIFA secretary-general Yvonne Manwa expressed confidence in the country’s readiness to host the tournament.
Manwa revealed that her association and their partners are diligently working to finalise the necessary arrangements, ensuring that both venues selected for the tournament, meet the required standards in time.
“This will be a big tournament for the region which will also create opportunities for us to go to AFCON and the World Cup as Under-17s so we are working tirelessly to ensure all is on track,” she said.
The draw for the upcoming competition is scheduled for July 29 at COSAFA House in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Marking a significant milestone in the build-up to the tournament, the anticipation surrounding the draw also reflects the growing interest in youth football and the potential it holds for development in Southern Africa.
Deputy COSAFA executive director Francis Makonese also weighed in on the importance of the regional body’s competitions which over nearly three decades have launched pathways for a host of players including the likes of Zimbabwe’s Tinashe Nengomasha, Alois Bunjira, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Esrom Nyandoro and Washington Arubi to thrive.
“COSAFA is more than a football body; it is the foundation of Southern African football development,’’ Makonese said.
“Through tournaments like this U-17 Boys Qualifier, we provide a platform for young talent to shine, for stories to be told and for dreams to take flight.
“This tournament is not just about the players on the pitch — it’s about the match officials, the coordinators, the media and every individual, who contributes to the beautiful game.
“The top three teams from this qualifier will advance to the Africa Cup of Nations, and from there, the world awaits — with 10 teams qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Boys World Cup.
“This is where journeys begin, from the grassroots of Mpandawana Gutu, Silobela, Chikombedzi, Mhondoro, Mbare and Sakubva, 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, aligned in purpose and united in action. Today, we recognise the critical role of good governance’’ Makonese said.
