Young Warriors Open COSAFA U-17 AFCON Qualifiers in Norton With Hopes High

The much-anticipated 2026 CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) COSAFA Qualifiers officially roar into life today at Ngoni MWOS Stadium, where Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors will begin their campaign on home soil with the weight of expectation squarely on their shoulders.

The 10-day tournament, running from September 11 to 20, brings together eight Southern African nations vying for a coveted ticket to the continental finals. For Zimbabwe, hosting the event is not only a sporting opportunity but also a moment of pride, as the country welcomes regional football back at a time when its junior structures are under the spotlight.

The action begins at midday with Comoros taking on Eswatini, before the Young Warriors face Mozambique in the second match of the opening day at 3:00 PM. Fans are expected to flock to the newly refurbished Ngoni MWOS Stadium – home of Norton-based side MWOS FC – which has been designated as the main venue for the competition.

In a move that has delighted supporters, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed that entry for all matches will be free of charge, ensuring that the stadium is packed with local voices rallying behind the boys.

For the players, the atmosphere promises to be electric. Young Warriors captain Tadiwa Chakuchichi said the team is motivated by the opportunity to perform in front of home fans and prove their worth against the region’s best.

“Since we’re the hosting team with a lot of supporters, we’re expected to deliver,” Chakuchichi told reporters on the eve of the opener. “We’re ready to show what we’re made of, to showcase our talents, and to make the nation believe in us. We can take Zimbabwe far, even to the World Cup.”

The Young Warriors come into the tournament with both ambition and determination. It has been 17 years since Zimbabwe last qualified for the Under-17 AFCON finals, with their 2007 appearance still the only one in history. Many see this campaign as a chance to end that drought and to begin laying foundations for future success at youth level.

Coach Backlyfield Chivenga, who has been working closely with the squad in recent weeks, stressed the importance of using home advantage wisely. He said the technical team has worked tirelessly to prepare the boys both tactically and mentally, with a focus on building confidence and unity in the squad.

“We know the expectations that come with being hosts,” Chivenga said. “The boys understand the responsibility that lies ahead, and we have prepared them to remain focused, disciplined and hungry throughout the tournament. It won’t be easy – every team is here to fight – but we believe we have the quality to compete and go all the way.”

The qualifiers are also expected to be a platform for young players to announce themselves on the regional stage. Scouts and football agents are likely to keep a close eye on standout performers, with past editions of the tournament producing stars who have gone on to shine at senior level across Africa. For Zimbabwe, this adds an extra layer of motivation as the nation looks to develop future professionals capable of carrying the Warriors’ badge at continental and global competitions.

Beyond football, the hosting of the tournament is seen as a morale booster for Norton and surrounding communities. Local businesses are already benefitting from the influx of visitors, while the stadium itself has received upgrades that could serve the area for years to come.

For now, however, all eyes are on the Young Warriors and their ability to deliver when it matters most. With the support of a football-hungry nation behind them, today’s clash with Mozambique offers the perfect opportunity to send an early statement of intent. Victory in the opener could set the tone for the rest of the campaign and rekindle hopes of a return to the continental stage.

As the whistle blows this afternoon, Norton will not just be hosting a football match. It will be hosting the beginning of a journey – one that could redefine the future of Zimbabwean football

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