Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE countdown is over. Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors are ready to step onto the pitch and chase history as the country hosts the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026 COSAFA Qualifiers, kicking off this Thursday.
For a generation of young players, the tournament is more than a competition, it is a chance to make a mark and rewrite a story that has seen the Young Warriors lift the regional crown only once in 2007. That dramatic triumph over South Africa, settled on penalties, remains the benchmark for youth football in Zimbabwe.
In recent years, they reached the semifinals in 2024, but were defeated by Angola.
Preparations have been meticulous.
Authorities have confirmed that the Heart Stadium in Harare and Ngoni Stadium in Norton are ready to host the region’s best youth teams until September 20. With 12 nations in contention, including traditional powerhouses and emerging sides, the stage is set for a week-long football carnival.
Zimbabwe opens its campaign against Mozambique at Heart Stadium, while Comoros and Eswatini kick off Group A action at Ngoni Stadium.
The tournament brings together the region’s top youth teams, offering a platform to showcase emerging football talent and strengthen youth development structures.
