Johnson Progress

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has unveiled the final squad for the upcoming COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championship, scheduled to take place in Namibia from May 10 to May 16.

Head coach Lindiwe Ndlovu will lead the team, assisted by Yohhanne Chikaola, Onai Chingawo as goalkeeper coach, and Choice Dambuza as team manager.

The 19-player squad comprises of talented young players from various clubs across the country. The team is divided into four sections: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.

 

Squad Breakdown

Goalkeepers:

Tanyaradzwa Nyakuchena (Brighton and Hove FC)

Yollanda Chitsa (Maningi YSA)

 

Defenders:

Ivy Nyamucherera (CCOSA)

Gladys Giwa (Rufaro High)

Anotidaishe Zvinoira (Faithdrive Academy)

Faliosa Keya (Lobengula Queens)

Hazel Kanyuru (Rufaro High)

Tadiwanashe Tunduwe (Football Academy Trust)

Mkandla Rosemary (Las Palmas)

 

Midfielders:

Tatenda Gambiza (Mposa)

Perpetua Chisuro (Faithdrive Academy)

Mirriam Gwenzi (Faithdrive Academy)

Cleopatra Tshingila (Lobengula Queens)

Alicia Chinyoka (FC Platinum Royals)

Natasha Chibvongodze (Rufaro High)

Shantello Magute (Scottland Queens)

Mya Munyanduki (Wets Riding Girls FC)

Chiedza Khumalo (Mposa)

 

Forwards:

Winnie Mapuwa (Legends Academy)

Marrian Genti (Football Academy Trust)

 

The COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championship is an annual tournament organized by the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) to develop women’s football in the region. The competition aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Southern African nations in continental qualifiers.

This year’s tournament promises to be an exciting event, with top teams from the region competing for the championship title. Zimbabwe’s participation in the tournament will serve as a valuable experience for the young players, who will have the opportunity to test their skills against other top teams in the region.

The tournament’s format features a group stage followed by knockout matches, with the winner determined through penalty shoot-outs if necessary. A total of 12 teams are participating in the tournament, which will be held in two venues.

Zimbabwe’s Under-17 girls’ team has had varying degrees of success in the tournament. The team’s performance in the 2024 edition was notable, with Zambia ultimately emerging as the champion. The tournament’s top scorer was Mercy Chipasula from Zambia, with 13 goals.

 

With a talented squad and experienced coaching staff, Zimbabwe’s Under-17 girls’ team is poised to make a strong impression in the upcoming tournament. The team’s journey will be closely watched by fans and coaches alike, as they seek to make their mark in the competition.

 

The Zimbabwe Football Association’s efforts to develop women’s football in the country are evident in the team’s preparation and participation in the tournament. As the tournament approaches, fans can expect an exciting display of skill and sportsmanship from the young players.