Zimbabwe to Host Second Edition of CAF Under-17 GIFT Tournament – Draw Confirmed

The draw for the second edition of the CAF Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) has been officially concluded, confirming exciting match-ups ahead of the competition to be hosted in Harare, Zimbabwe, from 8 to 18 December 2025. The draw, conducted at COSAFA House in Johannesburg, has set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling and developmental showcase of Southern Africa’s finest emerging female talent.

Zimbabwe is set to take centre stage as host nation, further cementing its growing leadership in women’s football development on the continent. The tournament brings together eight top academies and clubs from across the region, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s status as a rising hub for elite youth competitions.

The inaugural edition took place in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in January 2025, where JKT Queens defeated TDS Girls 2–1 in a memorable final. With Zimbabwe now hosting the second edition, CAF has demonstrated confidence in the country’s capacity, organisation, and commitment to junior girls’ football.

Zimbabwe will be represented by Mpopoma Sports Academy (MPOSA), one of the nation’s most recognised and disciplined youth structures, with a senior team competing in the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League. MPOSA now carries national hopes as Zimbabwe’s sole representatives, stepping onto the continental stage to compete against the region’s best.

CAF introduced the GIFT U17 tournament to strengthen development pathways for young girls, many of whom often play prematurely at the senior level. The competition offers these players age-appropriate experience, international exposure, and an enhanced platform for growth. CAF Head of Women’s Football, Meskerem Tadesse Goshime, has noted that the GIFT tournament is designed to fill a critical development gap and stimulate investment in women’s football at the club and association level.

The hosting of this competition also brings significant benefits to Zimbabwe, such as, increased sport tourism, upliftment of local football infrastructure, capacity-building for coaches and match officials, and community engagement through planned football clinics and outreach programmes. The event aligns with the Zimbabwe Football Association’s (ZIFA) renewed focus on girls’ and women’s football, strengthened school football pathways under the ZIFA–MoPSE partnership, and enhanced junior football systems nationwide. 

CAF U17 GIFT HARARE 2025 – OFFICIAL DRAW

GROUP A

1. Mpopoma Sports Academy (Zimbabwe)
2. Otjiwarongo Sports Academy (Namibia)
3. Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa)
4. Luwinga Academy (Malawi)

GROUP B

1. Aquila Stars Women FC (Zambia)
2. Okakarara Golden Ladies FC (Namibia)
3. Refilwe FC (South Africa)
4. Lishoeshoe (Lesotho)

With the draw now confirmed, the stage is set for a vibrant and competitive tournament. These games will be played at Ngoni Stadium in Norton. 

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