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

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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

ALSO READ : Kadewere Sparks Chaos at Warriors Training After Confronting Journalist

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Highlanders in Chaos: Players Stage Strike Over Unpaid Salaries as Club Crumbles

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Highlanders in Chaos: Players Stage Strike Over Unpaid Salaries as Club Crumbles

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – The once-mighty Highlanders Football Club has been plunged into a fresh abyss of turmoil, as players staged a dramatic protest over unpaid salaries, effectively sabotaging crucial preparations at a pivotal stage of the season. This latest act of defiance exposes a deepening crisis at Bosso, painting a grim picture of mismanagement and neglect that threatens to derail the club entirely.

According to a damning report by The Chronicle, the entire Highlanders squad reported for training on Wednesday but defiantly refused to participate in the session. Instead, they opted for a coordinated sit-in, a stark and public display of their profound frustration over outstanding wages. This is not merely a minor grievance; it is a symptom of a systemic failure.

This incident is far from isolated. It marks a continuation of a festering crisis that has gripped the Bulawayo giants. It is understood that not only the players, but also members of the technical team and even office staff, are owed at least two months’ salaries. Such chronic financial instability is utterly unacceptable for a club of Highlanders’ stature and history.

The Chronicle further reveals that this ongoing standoff has utterly decimated morale within the camp. The squad, once a symbol of Bulawayo pride, is now a hotbed of discontent, their patience worn thin by repeated delays in payment. How can a team be expected to perform when its basic needs are ignored, and its professionals are treated with such disdain?

Predictably, this internal chaos has translated directly onto the pitch. Highlanders have endured an abysmal start to the current campaign, managing a solitary win in their opening ten matches, with the majority ending in frustrating draws. This dismal performance is not merely bad luck; it is a direct consequence of a leadership vacuum and a blatant disregard for player welfare.

As the Bulawayo giants limp towards their Sunday fixture against Triangle United, one must ask: What hope is there for a positive result when the very foundation of the team – its players – are in open revolt? The Highlanders faithful deserve answers.

They deserve accountability. This club, a national institution, is being systematically destroyed by those entrusted with its care.

The time for platitudes is over; urgent and decisive action is needed to rescue Bosso from the brink.

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Ferguson Hospitalised as Manchester United Edge Liverpool FC in 3-2 Thriller

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Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital after feeling unwell at Old Trafford shortly before the club’s match against Liverpool FC.

Sources at the club said the move was purely precautionary and not an emergency.

Ferguson was taken from the stadium by ambulance, and officials remain optimistic that he will recover quickly and return home soon.

Despite the concern surrounding Ferguson, Manchester United delivered an exciting performance on the pitch, defeating Liverpool 3-2 in a dramatic English Premier League clash.

Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo played a key role in the victory, scoring crucial goals that helped secure the win. The result also confirmed Manchester United’s qualification for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season.

Under the guidance of new coach Michael Carrick, United have shown remarkable improvement.

Since taking charge, Carrick has led the team to victories over several top sides, including Manchester City, Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, and Aston Villa.

The win over Liverpool adds to a growing list of impressive results, raising hopes among fans that Manchester United are returning to their former glory.

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CAPS United Stumble as PSL Title Race Heats Up

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The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL) has once again delivered a weekend brimming with unexpected turns and strategic maneuvers, echoing the intricate dynamics often observed in diplomatic circles.

As the dust settles on Matchday 10, the title race, much like regional power plays, remains a finely balanced affair, with every point and every goal carrying significant weight.

Saturday’s fixtures, particularly the clash between CAPS United and Bulawayo Chiefs, served as a potent reminder that in football, as in foreign policy, complacency can be a costly misstep. The Chiefs’ stunning 1-0 victory over the league leaders, secured by Panashe Shoko’s 70th-minute penalty, was not merely an upset; it was a strategic masterstroke that has injected fresh impetus into the championship chase. This result, much like a well-executed diplomatic gambit, has reshaped the immediate landscape, forcing the frontrunners to re-evaluate their positions.

Equally noteworthy was Hardrock FC’s emphatic 6-1 demolition of Hunters. The league’s newcomers are proving to be a formidable force, their consistent performance akin to a rising regional power asserting its influence. Their aggressive play and clinical finishing suggest a team not content with mere participation, but one actively vying for a seat at the top table.

Today’s Encounters (Sunday, May 3, 2026)

Today’s matches are poised to further define the contours of the league. The encounter between Chicken Inn and Dynamos is particularly significant. Dynamos, currently sitting fourth, have an opportunity to capitalize on CAPS United’s stumble and advance their own claims. In the PSL, much like international relations, seizing such moments is paramount. A victory here would not only secure crucial points but also send a clear message of intent to their rivals.

Similarly, Ngezi Platinum’s fixture against Manica Diamonds, and Scottland’s battle with Simba Bhora, are more than just games; they are strategic engagements where teams must balance ambition with pragmatism. Scottland, currently third, has a chance to solidify their position and perhaps even challenge for the top spot, demonstrating the constant jostling for advantage that characterizes both football leagues and geopolitical arenas.

The Shifting Sands of the Standings

The current league standings reflect a fascinating blend of established powers and emerging contenders. CAPS United, despite their recent setback, still hold a slender lead, a testament to their overall consistency. However, the gap has narrowed, and the chasing pack is now breathing down their necks. The top five teams are separated by a mere five points, indicating a highly competitive season where every match could be a turning point.

Rank
Team
GP
W
T
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
CAPS United
10
7
1
2
12
5
7
22
2
Hardrock
10
6
3
1
16
6
10
21
3
Scottland
9
4
5
0
11
3
8
17
4
Dynamos
9
4
5
0
10
5
5
17
5
Ngezi Platinum
9
4
5
0
12
8
4
17

(Note: GP – Games Played, W – Wins, T – Ties, L – Losses, GF – Goals For, GA – Goals Against, GD – Goal Difference, Pts – Points)

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