ZIFA Names U17 Boys’ Squad

Witness Runodada | Zim Now Reporter

The Zimbabwe Football Association has announced the provisional squad for the national Under-17 boys’ team as preparations intensify for upcoming regional and international tournaments.

Goalkeeping duties will be contested by Victor Nyemba of Cardship, Ismail Lunat from St. John’s, and Siyanda Zimba of Pamushana.

In defence, the team has called up Tapiwa Mautsa from St. George’s, Seth Musarapachena of Young Bafana, Fortune Ncube from Zebras Revolution, Ainsley Murapa of Betis Academy, Christian Mpande, Prince Chimwakale, and Tanaka Machaka.

The midfield includes Tawannayasha Chisuse of BUSE, Rufadzo Hussein who features for both St. George’s and Golden Eagles, as well as Supersport United’s Jameson Nduna.

Other midfielders are Munashe Ncube, Darrel Zulu, Awakhiwe Tshalibe of Chicken Inn, and Takudzwa Chinyowa from Leeds United.

Up front, the attacking line will be spearheaded by Tatenda Maulidi of Legends Academy, Elshadai Sadomba from St. John’s and Golden Eagles, Tadiwa Chakuchichi, Irvine Mtungwazi of Ubuntu Cape Town, Mbonisi Ndlovu from Nkalubala School, Dwayne Musona of Majesa, Tapiwa Gutu, and Thabile Zulu.

The squad will be under the guidance of head coach Thulani Sibanda, assisted by Backtyfield Chivenga, with Reginald Buhali serving as goalkeeper coach.

The backroom staff also includes Brighton Chandisa as fitness trainer, Asani Nhongo as team manager, Desire Mutsvene as team doctor, and Stephen Muriri as safeguarding officer.

However, the selection has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the inclusion of players from elite private schools and foreign academies reflects a bias that overlooks grassroots talent from underprivileged communities.

Concerns have also been raised about whether the scouting network is wide enough to capture the best young footballers from rural and high-density areas, many of whom lack access to top facilities but have shown great potential in local leagues.