A Tournament Beyond the Trophy

When the final whistle blew on the COSAFA Under-17 and CAF U17 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers in Harare, it was not merely the end of a youth tournament but the rebirth of Zimbabwean football. For the first time in history, Zimbabwe played host to the U17 prestigious competition, and despite the Warriors’ early exit, the event became a defining statement that the country had truly returned to the heart of African football. The matches which were played at Ngoni Stadium and Heart Stadium were not only contests of skill but also a showcase of organisation, hospitality, integrity, and vision.

The successful hosting of the tournament confirmed what many had doubted for years, that Zimbabwe, even after its wilderness years, could once again stand tall as a capable host of international football. Special mention goes to Ngoni stadium, which was always full, the atmosphere electric, and the passion from fans from all walks of life was unmistakable. Harare’s hotels, airports, and roads proved equal to the task, injecting life into the economy and showing that sport can indeed drive development, tourism, and national pride. Even Mayor Jacob Mafume acknowledged the ripple effects, stressing that Harare’s economy boomed during the games, while the presence of thousands of fans demonstrated football’s unique ability to unite people across class, culture, and creed.

Equally historic was the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, not just for Zimbabwe, but for the Southern African region as a whole. The tournament saw referees undergo rigorous VAR training, resulting in ten Zimbabwean match officials emerging fully certified. This was more than a technical achievement. It was a leap in credibility. Football decisions could now be made with fairness and transparency, ensuring players’ destinies rested on talent, not controversy. This development positioned Zimbabwe as a new hub for refereeing excellence in the region, a fact that has already earned admiration from COSAFA and CAF leaders.

The significance of the tournament was underscored by the presence of high-level football leadership. The Vice President of CAF, Feizal Sidat and the President of COSAFA, Sahid Ali, both travelled to Zimbabwe to watch the semi-finals and finals, a powerful endorsement of Zimbabwe’s return to international football hosting. Their visit extended beyond the stadiums. They toured the ZIFA headquarters, where they expressed genuine admiration for the work of the new Executive Committee led by President Nqobile Magwizi. The message was clear: Zimbabwe is not only back on the pitch but also making strides administratively. At the Mayoral Dinner, COSAFA Vice President Timothy Shongwe went further, declaring that if the new ZIFA executive wished to host another tournament soon, COSAFA and CAF would readily assist. That assurance, coupled with his call for patience and support for the new leadership, was a ringing vote of confidence in Magwizi and his team.

Beyond leadership endorsement and technology, the heartbeat of the tournament was the young players. The COSAFA U17s were a reminder that the future of football lies in the feet of the youth. These were not just matches but classrooms where discipline, leadership, teamwork, and resilience were taught. The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Edward Kallon, spoke passionately about this, stressing that football is more than a game. It is a universal language and a powerful antidote to the scourge of drug abuse threatening our youth. He linked sport to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting its power to promote peace, employment, and cultural pride. Zimbabwe’s youthful demographics, he noted, make this investment urgent and essential.

The Government of Zimbabwe, represented by the Ministry of Sport’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chidhakwa, also played a crucial role, affirming the state’s commitment to supporting youth development and football infrastructure. Stakeholders such as Bridging Gaps Foundation (BGF) were commended for investing in stadium upgrades, while the introduction of VAR was rightly hailed as a milestone achievement under the new ZIFA administration. But beyond government, the tournament would not have been the success it was without the invaluable support of partners and sponsors. TotalEnergies, as the title sponsor of the CAF U17 competition, gave the event its continental brand power. COSAFA’s unwavering support provided technical and organisational excellence. Local sponsors, corporate partners, and service providers, from Probottlers, UNFPA, Better brands, City of Harare, MWOS, Norton City Council, Simbisa, Liquid Telcom, Seb4Vision, etc, all stitched together the fabric of success that the world witnessed. These partnerships demonstrated that football thrives best when it is built on collective effort and shared vision.

The tournament’s legacy lies not in Zimbabwe’s group stage exit, but in what it signified. It reminded us that football is more than just a game. It is a tool for social transformation, a unifier of communities, a builder of economies, and a platform for youth to dream beyond their limits. From the roaring crowds to the referees in VAR booths, from mayors and diplomats to the teenage boys in jerseys, Zimbabwe told a powerful story, that of resilience, rebirth, and pride.

The success of the COSAFA U17 Championship and CAF qualifiers cannot go unnoticed. It must be celebrated. For President Magwizi and his Executive Committee, this was a victory of vision, of courage, and of faith in the unifying power of football. And for the sponsors and partners who stood shoulder to shoulder with Zimbabwe in this historic moment, it was proof that when football succeeds, an entire nation rises.

Zimbabwe is back. And this time, both Africa and the world have taken notice.

More News