Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has revealed a new merit-based selection strategy to assemble a strong team for the upcoming Cosafa Under-17 Boys Championship.
The tournament, to be hosted by Zimbabwe from September 11 to 20, also serves as a qualifier for the TotalEnergies Caf Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
“Zifa has appointed a team of experienced coaches to lead a nationwide talent identification and assessment programme,” it said in a statement yesterday.
The appointed coaches, Thulani Sibanda, Norman Edward Taruvinga, Backlyfield Chivenga and Jatson Maposa, are scheduled to embark on a nationwide tour from August 18 to 20 to assess players who have been pre-shortlisted for the squad.
The selection process, according to Zifa, will be rigorous, prioritising key attributes in potential players.
“The process will prioritise technical ability, tactical awareness, physical readiness and the right mentality to compete at the highest level,” it said.
Zifa’s commitment to this new approach is clear, with the organisation stating it wants to build strong and competitive national teams.
The new selection plan comes as Zimbabwe prepares to host a tournament where the top finishers will advance to the continental finals.
The Cosafa Under-17 Championship presents a significant challenge, with a tough Group A for the hosts, who will face Mozambique, Comoros and Eswatini.
Regional giants Zambia and South Africa are pitted against each other in what has been dubbed the “Group of Death”.
Zimbabwe’s Under-17 team has only lifted the trophy once, in 2007, and is now under pressure to perform on home soil.
The new selection strategy appears to be a direct response to the need for a meritocratic system to unearth the best young talent and give the team its best chance at success.
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