Taking the Game to Every Zimbabwean

The training pitch hums with energy. Young voices rise and fall, speaking in different
languages and dialects, each player determined to make themselves heard, to ensure their
instructions are understood. At first, the cacophony is charmingly chaotic – a reflection of
Zimbabwe itself: diverse, vibrant, and full of potential. But as the session unfolds, it
becomes strikingly clear: football is a universal language. Its only dialects are skill, strength,
and strategy.

On these training fields, where our Under-17 boys are preparing for the COSAFA tournament
we proudly host, every player carries the spirit of Zimbabwe. From the bustling streets of
Harare to the quiet villages of Masvingo, fromBulawayo and Chipinge to those living abroad,
each boy knows this game belongs to him. This squad – drawn from every corner of the
nation and enriched by a few foreign-based talents – represents more than a team. It
embodies a national dream: that football can be the pathway for every Zimbabwean to shine
on the global stage.

A Truly National Squad

Our provisional squad reflects a deliberate effort to leave no stone unturned in our search
for talent. Goalkeepers Victor Nyemba (Cardship), Ismail Lunat (St. John’s), and Siyanda
Zimba (Pamushana) have all demonstrated the composure and reflexes necessary to guard
our net. Defenders like Tapiwa Mautsa (St. George’s) and Seth Musarapachena (Young
Bafana) bring agility and tactical awareness, while midfielders such as Tawananyasha
Chisuse (BUSE) and Jameson Nduna (Supersport United) are engines of creativity and
endurance. Up front, forwards like Tatenda Maulidi (Legends Academy) and Elshadai
Sadomba (St. John’s/Golden Eagles) are ready to test their mettle and score for their nation.

This team is remarkable not only for the skill it brings to the pitch but also for the diversity of
its origins. Players hail from schools, academies, and clubs scattered across Zimbabwe, as
well as from international setups in South Africa and Scotland. This inclusivity ensures that
talent from every corner of our country has a chance to shine – a key shift from past Under
17 selections, which often overlooked rural and remote areas.

Building Continuity and Chemistry.

What makes this squad even more special is the continuity within the group. Many of these
players participated in the Under 20 COSAFA championship at the AUSC Region 5 Youth
Games in Namibia. Shared experiences from that tournament mean players already have a
foundation of understanding and chemistry, enabling quicker adaptation to tactical plans
and greater cohesion on the field.

Chemistry, as every coach knows, is not just about knowing where your teammates are – it’s
about understanding their instincts, anticipating movements, and moving as one. By
keeping much of the core together, we are giving this squad a tangible advantage as they
prepare to compete against some of the region’s best young talents.

Harnessing Experience: Our Technical Team

We have deliberately tapped into Zimbabwe’s rich footballing history to guide and inspire
these young athletes. Former internationals Asani Nhongo and Brighton Chandisaita have
joined the technical team, bringing invaluable experience and mentorship. Asani, now Team
Manager, has seen the heights our players can reach, while Brighton, our Fitness Trainer,
knows the physical and mental preparation required to perform consistently on the
international stage. His longevity and legendary fitness as a player will boost the team.

Involving former players is not just about technical expertise. It is about passing down
stories of perseverance, leadership, and resilience – real-life lessons that resonate far
beyond drills and tactics. These stories show our young players that the path to national
representation is tangible, achievable, and filled with moments of inspiration.

Hosting COSAFA U17: A National Moment

Zimbabwe hosting the COSAFA U17 tournament is about more than football – it is about
national pride and reinforcing our commitment to youth development. This tournament
allows communities across the country to witness the fruits of inclusive talent identification
and to rally behind a team that represents every Zimbabwean.

Hosting also serves as a reminder that football is a mirror of society: it thrives when every
child has access, when diversity is embraced, and when excellence is pursued with
discipline and passion. Our nation’s young footballers carry the hopes of their towns,
schools, and families – and with every match, they illustrate that Zimbabwean talent is
abundant, resilient, and ready for the global stage.

The Bigger Picture: Football for Every Zimbabwean

This column, and the work of ZIFA more broadly, is about laying the foundations for the next
generation of national heroes. It is about ensuring that every Zimbabwean boy and girl –
whether in Harare, Gweru, Bulawayo, or Matabeleland – knows that football is a path open
to them. The Under 17 team is just one chapter in a longer story of inclusion, opportunity,
and excellence.

More News