The Executive Director of the Council of Southern Africa Football Association, Sue Destombes, and her deputy, Francis Makonese, paid a courtesy visit to the Zimbabwe Football Association headquarters in Harare, where they held a high-level planning meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament Cup.
Zimbabwe is set to host the prestigious event from December 8 to 18, 2025.
The visit marked a major milestone in the build-up to one of Africa’s leading youth football events for girls. Organised annually by the Confederation of African Football, the GIFT Cup aims to promote structured and competitive football for girls under the age of 17, nurturing technical skill, tactical understanding, and leadership qualities among emerging female players.
During the Harare meeting, discussions centred on technical readiness, infrastructure assessment, tournament logistics, and long-term legacy initiatives aimed at advancing women’s football development in Zimbabwe.
COSAFA’s engagement with ZIFA was also meant to ensure alignment with CAF’s broader strategy for youth and women’s football across the continent.
The meeting further explored capacity-building opportunities in coaching, refereeing, medical, and administrative sectors — ensuring that the benefits of hosting the tournament extend beyond the matches and contribute to the overall growth of Zimbabwe’s football ecosystem.
The 2025 edition of the GIFT Cup will feature under-17 girls’ clubs from eight countries within the COSAFA region, transforming Zimbabwe into a hub of youthful talent and cultural exchange.
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Beyond showcasing Africa’s next generation of female footballers, the event is expected to attract scouts, sponsors, and development partners keen to invest in the women’s game.
This will be the second edition of the GIFT Cup since its inception, and the first to be hosted in the COSAFA region. The inaugural tournament was held in the CECAFA region, setting the foundation for CAF’s mission to expand structured youth competition opportunities across Africa.
Zimbabwe’s selection as host underscores CAF’s confidence in the country’s football structures, upgraded facilities, and ZIFA’s ongoing reforms under its new leadership.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi expressed gratitude for the confidence shown by CAF and COSAFA, describing the hosting opportunity as both an honour and a national responsibility.
“We are honoured by CAF’s trust and COSAFA’s partnership,” said Magwizi.
“The GIFT Cup is not just a tournament — it is an investment in the dreams of young African girls who deserve platforms to shine. Zimbabwe will ensure this event leaves a lasting developmental footprint in our communities and inspires a new generation of women footballers.”
Magwizi added that ZIFA, in collaboration with CAF and COSAFA, has already begun assessing potential host stadiums, training venues, and accommodation facilities to ensure a seamless tournament delivery.
He noted that the event is also expected to boost sports tourism, stimulate local industries, and enhance Zimbabwe’s reputation as an emerging football powerhouse in the region.
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