By McGeorge Mbare
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced open trials for the Under-17 Girls , scheduled to take place on November 23 and 24, 2024, in Harare in preparation for the COSAFA U17.
In statement, ZIFA state that to be eligible, young footballers must have been born between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010.Additionally all the players are required to register by Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 1600 hours and bring a valid passport to the trials.
“Zimbabwe football association invites aspiring young footballers to participate in trials for the U17. Girls national team set to play COSAFA U17 championship in Mozambique… all players should bring their present valid passport and registration should be done by Wednesday 20th November 2024 around 1600hours, “the ZIFA statements reads.
ZIFA has encouraged talented players meeting the age requirements to attend the trials and showcase their skills for a chance to represent the nation on the international stage.
“We encourage all talented players who meet the age requirements to attend this important event and showcase their skills for a chance to represent the nation on international state” ZIFA stated.
Meanwhile, the announcement has sparked debate among football fans, questioning the selection criteria. Fans argue that Zimbabwe has many premier league young stars that could be considered for the national team. Others emphasize that ZIFA should have scouted players during provincial and district school competitions to assemble a stronger squad.
“There are lots of players already playing in the premier league and division one from Highlanders Royals, Ngezi Platinum queens and other teams, in fact why would you do such trials worse for a national team, and why doing trials in one city, does that mean those from far places like Victoria falls,Binga and Beitbridge who may fail to reach because of several reasons don’t have the right to participate, mostly with this criteria there is no way the girls will win because the criteria just favors those with money not every talented girl ,” a fan who wished to remain anonymous remarked.
Some fans have expressed frustration on ZIFA’s Facebook page, comparing Zimbabwe’s approach to other countries like South Africa and Malawi. These countries consider players’ economic situations and backgrounds, by giving everyone a chance to showcase their talent as they reach out to several locations country wide hosting tournaments and scouting players. Fans have also raised concerns about the trials being held in Harare only, which will exclude talented players who lack resources to come to Harare.