Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE government has expressed satisfaction with the national Under 17 team’s preparations for the upcoming Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations, COSAFA qualifier set to kick off next week.
Zimbabwe is set to host the COSAFA Under 17 Championship from the September 11 to September 20, which will act as a qualifier for the Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Young Warriors are going through their paces at Eaglesvale School in Harare and this Tuesday they received a surprise visit from the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Anslem Sanyatwe.
“I am happy because I spoke to the boys and they are happy with the facilities, the camp and the food they are having and that makes me happy. I challenged them to make the nation proud since everything they desire has been provided. I am also happy because the team is a proper representation of the country. There are players from different areas, Checheche, and other areas, there are also players from South Africa and others from as far as Hong Kong and England,” he said.
The team was thrilled with the Minister’s visit.
“We are happy that the Honourable Minister came to watch us just training, it means a lot. We know we need to do well, especially playing at home in front of our fans,” the team’s captain Tadiwa Chakuchichi said.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) also highlighted their state of preparedness to host the tournament that will be staged at Ngoni Stadium in Norton and the Heart Stadium in Harare.
“We have put up a lot of things in motion and we have secured hotels and venues for the teams. We are just left with tying a few ends, but we are good to go and we will deliver a fiery good tournament for the country,” ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said.
The top three teams at the upcoming regional championship will qualify for the Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations.
