Harare, Zimbabwe will host the 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship from 6 to 10 April, 2026.
The girls’ defending champions Ghana are in Group B against Guinea, Tanzania and Burkina Faso.
The boys’ competition sees defending champions Tanzania drawn in a tough Group B alongside Zambia, Senegal and Benin.
Hosts Zimbabwe is in Group A against Uganda, Morocco and DR Congo.
The CAF African Schools Football Championship serves as a flagship programme aimed at nurturing young talent while promoting education.
The winners in both the boys’ and girls’ categories will receive USD 300,000, while runners-up will earn USD 200,000 and third-placed teams USD 150,000.
In an interview with BolaNews, Zambia Boys Under-15 coach Evaristo Mkandawire welcomed the draws.
Mkandawire described the group as tough but added that there is enough depth within the squad.
“It’s a tough group, and being COSAFA champions, we knew what was ahead of us at this big stage. We have fully prepared to face any opponent on the way and play our game as planned,” he said.
“We have a good team structure and team depth to change the game plan from the initial plan. God being on our side, we have all the talent it takes to reach the semi-finals.”
“It is humbling” – Mweetwa.
Mkandawire also explained how he plans to neutralise the height advantage that the West and East Africans have over Zambia.
“We have also balanced a little bit on the height of central defenders and midfielders, and we have a good pace on the flanks and brave target boys who can fire out of the 18 yards with both legs. Our players are equal to the task ahead of us,” he stated.
Away from the pitch, former Zambian striker Nchimunya Mweetwa will join an elite list of former footballers chosen to mentor and inspire the continent’s rising stars.
Other legends include Zimbabwe’s Esrom Nyandoro; former Tunisian defender Karim Haggui, who played for Bayer Leverkusen and Hannover in the Bundesliga; DR Congo’s Tresor Lualua; and Siphiwe Tshabalala from South Africa.
The women’s legends are Rudo Neshamba (Zimbabwe), Clementine Toure (Cote d’Ivoire), Lamia Boumehdi (Morocco), Amanda Dlamini, and Sophia Mwasikili (Tanzania).
In an interview, Mweetwa expressed delight for being the first Zambian to be called up as a legend at the CAF Schools Football Championship.
“It’s humbling to be considered among the people who have contributed to the beautiful game. Just being in these circles to shape the future stars’ football careers is a legacy on its own, both for our football-loving country and the African continent at large,” Mweetwa said.
