Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE fixtures for the second edition of the CAF Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) have been released ahead of the competition, scheduled to take place in Harare from December 8 to 18.
Zimbabwe’s representatives, Mpopoma Sports Academy, are set to open the tournament with a clash against Otjiwarongo Sports Academy from Namibia. The event is expected to showcase emerging football talent from across the region.
The tournament features eight teams divided into two groups of four, with the top team in each pool advancing to the final.
Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa lead Group A, which also features Zimbabwe’s representatives, Mpopoma Sports Academy, Luwinga Academy of Malawi and Otjiwarongo Sports Academy of Namibia.
On the opening day, Mamelodi Sundowns play Luwinga while Mpopoma Sports Academy have a date with Otjiwarongo Sports Academy.
In Group B, Refilwe FC from South Africa face Lishoeshoe from Lesotho with Aguila Stars from Zambia taking on Okakarara Golden from Namibia on the following day.
The tournament will follow a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to the final and the other teams competing for classification.
The GIFT tournament aims to strengthen the development pathway for young female footballers, bringing together eight clubs and academies from six COSAFA nations.
