Carol Kanyemba, Zambia Women’s U-17 head coach says the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s decision to introduce an U-17 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will strengthen youth football development across the continent.

Kanyemba says moving from the current direct home-and-away qualification format to a full tournament will provide young players with more meaningful international exposure and prepare them better for higher levels of the game.

Speaking exclusively to Bola News, Kanyemba described the proposed competition as a “game-changer” for youth football” she said.

She said the tournament would transform Zambia’s player development pathway by guaranteeing young players more international matches against different opponents.

According to Kanyemba, the current knockout qualification system leaves little room for error, with a poor performance potentially ending a team’s campaign after only two matches.

“A structured U17 WAFCON gives us guaranteed group-stage matches against top-tier, diverse opposition. It forces us to build deeper squads, manage tournament fatigue, adapt tactically between games, and expose our players to the intensity of high-stakes, tournament-style competition early in their careers,” she said.

Kanyemba believes regular exposure to tournament football will accelerate the development of players by improving their tactical discipline, maturity, and ability to handle pressure.

“U-17 WAFCON to enhance women football” – Kanyemba.

She further argued that the competition would help bridge the gap between regional youth tournaments such as COSAFA and WAFU competitions and the senior Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Zambian coach said the introduction of a continental U-17 tournament could encourage national associations to invest more in youth development.

Kanyemba also expects the new competition to have a direct impact on African team performances at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

She said African teams have historically possessed talent but have lacked tournament experience, tactical flexibility, and the ability to manage high-pressure matches.

“When our teams step onto the global stage having already navigated a demanding U17 WAFCON tournament structure, they will arrive with tactically sound match awareness and mental resilience,” Kanyemba said.

She believes the additional continental competition could allow African representatives to approach the global stage with greater confidence.

“Instead of using the World Cup as a learning ground for tournament pressure, African nations will arrive ready to compete for podium finishes.”

CAF is currently studying the feasibility of establishing the U-17 WAFCON.

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