Sithembinkosi L Jiyane
Sports Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
The countdown is on as Zimbabwe gets ready to host the 2025 Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) Under-17 Boys Football Championship, which also doubles as the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 Qualifiers, from September 11 to 20.
A total of 12 nations will battle it out for a coveted ticket to next year’s continental finals.
All the action will unfold at the Heart Stadium in Harare and Ngoni Stadium in Norton, venues expected to be rocking with fans cheering on the Young Warriors.
Drawn in Group A, Zimbabwe will be banking on home advantage to give them the extra push as they chase their maiden crown at this level. With plenty of young talent in the ranks, the Young Warriors will be aiming to turn possession into goals and hit the ground running from the first whistle.
Assistant coach Backlyfield Chivenga says preparations are on track, with the technical bench working around the clock to sharpen the squad.
“So far, we have made a lot of progress in our preparations. After the selection, we began screening the boys, trimming the group to a reasonable number based on quality, and we are now left with a solid squad to work with.”
He added that the team’s playing style has shown steady growth.
“We have seen great progress in terms of how we play. The boys are adapting well, and the structure of our game is getting stronger with each session.”
As part of their build-up, the Young Warriors have already tested themselves in three high-tempo friendlies against strong opposition, valuable tune-ups that gave the coaches a clear read on the side’s strengths and areas that still need fine-tuning.
Meanwhile, Mauritius have already touched down in Harare, becoming one of the first teams to arrive for the tournament. Their early arrival signals intent, as sides look to acclimatise quickly and iron out tactics before the group-stage clashes kick off.
The Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) Under-17 Football Championship has long been a launchpad for future stars, with many players graduating to shine at senior international and club level.
For Zimbabwe, it is not only about chasing silverware but also about tightening defensive lines, adding attacking bite, and showcasing the nation’s footballing infrastructure.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on the Young Warriors to see if they can convert home advantage into success.
With the stakes high, early arrivals like Mauritius already setting the pace, and a ticket to next year’s continental finals on the line, the 2025 Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) Under-17 Boys Football Championship promises thrilling matches, youthful flair, and unforgettable moments for fans across the region.
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