Story by Mthokozisi Dube
ZIMBABWE’S representatives at the COSAFA Under-17 Girls Football Tournament, Mpopoma Sports Academy, are aiming to make a lasting impression at the competition, which runs from December 8 to 18 in Harare.
The second edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament is set to kick off at Ngoni Stadium in Norton providing a platform for young female players to showcase their talent, gain competitive experience, and contribute to the development of women’s football in the region.
All eyes will be on how Mpopoma Sports Academy will fare in their debut appearance on home soil.
The Bulawayo-based side will parade 15-year-old national team player, Tatenda Gambiza, who is chasing a fifth cap.
“We are ready for the tournament, as you can see, the girls are preparing. We do not want to add numbers, but we are going to win the tournament and do the nation proud. For me, the tournament is not just a tournament as I have represented the country on four occasions, and I know how it feels,” she said.
Mpopoma Sports Academy had a fair season in the local league after finishing in sixth place in their debut season, and Coach Evans Neta is relishing the opportunities that come with international tournaments.
“We are happy to be selected, and the girls are in high spirits. We are working flat out not to disappoint the nation,” he said.
Club chairperson, James Rugwevera, says the tournament speaks to the club’s founding values of promoting junior football.
“We are happy for the honour. We are firm believers in nurturing talent, and we hope to utilise the opportunity for visibility of the players,” he said.
The tournament is a development pathway meant to strengthen and nurture young female footballers into household names.
Placed in group A alongside South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Mpopoma Sports Academy will also face Namibia’s Otjiwarongo and Luwinga Academy of Malawi in their group matches.
Group B features Refilwe FC from South Africa, Lishoeshoe of Lesotho, Aguila Stars of Zambia and Okakaraa Golden from Namibia. Two group winners will face off in the final.
