The second edition of the Caf African Schools Football Championship/ Cosafa Qualifier will be staged from December 14 to 16 in Harare, Zimbabwe, under a new format.
Cosafa announced on its website on Wednesday that, unlike last year, countries can feature national select teams rather than single schools.
The Confederations of African Football (Caf) revised the format for the tournament last year after some schools failed to show up for the finals held in South Africa.
Again, this year, the boys’ tournament will be played on full-sized pitches with 11 players on each side whereas the girls’ competition will be played on half-sized pitches with eight players on each side.
In both tournaments, it will be 20 minutes per half.
- Advertisement -
According to Cosafa, eleven countries, namely Malawi, Angola, South Africa, eSwatini, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Zambia, Botswana, Madagascar and hosts Zimbabwe will take part in the competition.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Technical Director Benjamin Kumwenda confirmed receipt of the dates and venue of the competition.
“This is a good platform for the boys and girls to showcase their skills,” Kumwenda said.
The draw for both competitions will be held in Harare ahead of the event.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
The inaugural edition took place at Bingu National Stadium in which Clapham High School from South Africa emerged champions whereas Salima Secondary School finished as runners-u.
In the girls’ tournament, South African School Edendale Technical were crowned champions.
Malawi Schools Sports Association Chairperson Blackson Malamula said the tournament will be a major steppingstone for the boys and girls.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed that Malawi will participate in the tournament,” Malamula said.
Cosafa President Artur de Almeida Silva said the competition is important to develop football in the region.
“The U-15 age group category is a crucial one and gives these young players a taste of what it takes to challenge their peers in the region,” he said.
Salima Secondary School finished third at African Schools finals in Durban.
