Story by Anashe Murombedzi
A star-studded lineup of African football icons is set to headline the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals in Harare, as Zimbabwe prepares to host the continental youth showcase from April 6 to 10.
The tournament draw will be conducted on Thursday, with hosts Zimbabwe set to learn their opponents ahead of the competition, which will feature eight teams each in the Boys’ and Girls’ Under-15 categories at Gateway High School.
Among the legends expected to mentor and inspire the young players are Esrom Nyandoro, Rudo Neshamba and Amanda Dlamini.
The lineup also includes Nchumunya Mweetwa and Karim Haggui, who brings European experience from his time in Germany’s Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen and Hannover 96.
Former DR Congo international Trésor Lualua, known for his exciting spells in England with Newcastle United and Portsmouth, where he won the FA Cup in 2008, will also be part of the mentorship programme.
Women’s football will be strongly represented by Clémentine Touré, who guided Côte d’Ivoire to the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Lamia Boumehdi.
Rounding off the list are Siphiwe Tshabalala, famed for his iconic goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and Sophia Mwasikili.
The presence of these legends is expected to add immense value to the tournament, providing a rare platform for Africa’s emerging football talent to learn directly from some of the continent’s most accomplished figures.
