By Patience Gondo
THE Zimbabwe Football Association has said Harare will host the 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals from April the 2nd to 10th.
This marks a major return of continental football to Zimbabwe.
The tournament, organised by Confederation of African Football, will bring together 16 teams eight boys and eight girls sides from across Africa.
The matches are set to showcase emerging talent on a competitive continental stage.
Zimbabwe will field teams in both categories as the host nation.
ZIFA said the event signals renewed confidence in Zimbabwe’s capacity to stage high-level competitions, becoming the country’s first CAF tournament in more than six years.
The finals are expected to boost local football development and provide international exposure for young players.
The championship, launched in 2021 under CAF President Patrice Motsepe, has grown into Africa’s flagship schools football programme.
It combines grassroots football with education and life skills, with millions of learners participating across the continent since its inception.
“In the girls’ category, Zimbabwe will compete alongside Ghana, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Guinea, Tanzania, Zambia and DR Congo. The boys’ competition will feature Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Benin, Morocco, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia and DR Congo,” ZIFA said.
Beyond the fixtures, CAF will roll out capacity building programmes targeting referees, coaches, medical personnel and journalists ensuring technical development off the pitch matches the action on it.
ZIFA said preparations are underway to deliver a successful tournament and create a memorable experience for players and stakeholders, as Harare prepares to take centre stage in African schools football.