Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE is using the Cosafa Under-17 Championship as a springboard for greater ambitions. Both Zifa and the Government believe that successfully hosting the youth tournament will strengthen the country’s bid to stage major competitions such as Chan and the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Speaking in Harare ahead of the regional youth showcase, Sports and Recreation Commission Director General Eltah Nengomasha outlined the Second Republic’s vision, following Zimbabwe’s successful hosting of the Cosafa Under-15 African Schools Football Championship in 2023.
Zimbabwe will welcome teams from 11 countries for the TotalEnergies Caf Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 | Cosafa Qualifiers, which kick off tomorrow and run until September 20. Matches will be played at Heart Stadium in Waterfalls and Ngoni Stadium in Norton, where Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be used locally for the first time.
Flanked by Cosafa Executive Director Sue Destombes, Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi, Cosafa Head of Referees Felix Tangawarima, and Local Organising Committee chairperson Thomas Marambanyika, Nengomasha said the goal was to deliver a flawless tournament and use it as a launchpad for future bids.
“We will deliver a successful event. As the SRC, we are very mindful of the hard work and commitment shown to ensure Zimbabwe hosts a successful Under-17 tournament. Need I say, this is the second time Zimbabwe has hosted a football event post our transition phase. The first was the African Schools Football Championship, a Cosafa qualifier for the Under-15s, and I’m pleased we are now hosting the Under-17 tournament.
“I know Mr Magwizi has spoken about Chan, but when you look at our Vision 2030 and beyond, there’s nothing stopping Zimbabwe from hosting the next Afcon. As a country, we are more than capable of collectively bidding to host these events,” said Nengomasha.
Zimbabwe’s biggest challenge remains infrastructure. The country has been forced to play international matches abroad after Caf and Fifa declared its stadiums unfit. Nengomasha acknowledged the issue but insisted progress is being made.
“We are aware of the areas that need attention, particularly infrastructure, and I’m confident we’re on a positive trajectory. Let it be known in football circles that Zimbabwe will, at some point, come knocking to claim its rightful place. One day, in the history of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe will host Afcon.
“Hosting is vital. It’s important for the country, and I’m pleased that other ministries — Home Affairs, Tourism, Information and others — have come on board. I’m glad we’ve embraced the ‘Destination Zimbabwe’ concept in sport, which also attracts investment. I’m happy the Executive understands that football is business and can play a meaningful role in developing Zimbabwe’s economy,” said Nengomasha.
The Cosafa Under-17 Championship will feature hosts Zimbabwe, alongside Mozambique, Comoros, Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi, Angola, Botswana, Mauritius, Lesotho and giants Zambia and South Africa, who meet in Group B.
Sue Destombes emphasised the importance of the tournament, which serves as a gateway to next year’s Afcon and the Fifa Under-17 World Cup.
“Fifa last year made the Under-17 boys’ category an annual World Cup. So now, including 2024, we have a qualifier that sends three teams from the Southern African Zone to the Under-17 Afcon, which will be held in March or April next year. From there, they progress to the World Cup. So, this is a really important competition,” she said.
She commended the organisers for their efforts in bringing the event together.
“12 teams, averaging 30 people each — that’s 360 individuals from 11 countries. Plus, we have around 40 referees and our delegation here. It’s a sizable event to organise, and we couldn’t do it without our partners. We’re playing at Heart Stadium and Ngoni Stadium in Norton, both of which have been very supportive in making their facilities available.
“They’re excellent venues. Next time, I’m sure we’ll be at the National Sports Stadium. But for now, these two stadiums are ideal for this age group. You don’t want a 40 000-seater where spectators feel lost. We’re very happy with the arrangements so far and looking forward to a great tournament,” said Destombes.
LOC Chairperson Thomas Marambanyika said preparations were complete and confirmed that group matches would be free of charge.
“We’ve prepared thoroughly to welcome our visitors from 11 countries. Most of our group games will be free of charge. Spectators will receive complimentary tickets, allowing us to track attendance figures. From the semi-finals to the final, we may introduce a small fee, which will be determined in due course,” said Marambanyika.
He also highlighted the legacy programmes already underway, including referee training, coaching workshops and the introduction of VAR.
“This tournament has unlocked opportunities for Zimbabwean football. Specifically, we have three key legacy programmes. We’ve held a referees’ training workshop since 5 September. It’s also introduced VAR to Zimbabwe, which hasn’t been widely used here.
“This is a stepping stone in training our referees with modern techniques. It’s an initiative Zifa agreed to take up, and we’re doing well. We also have a technical group meeting today at one of the local hotels,” said Marambanyika.
