PATRICE Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), headlined a landmark visit to Zimbabwe yesterday during the Caf African Schools Championships finals at Ngoni Stadium in Norton, placing the country at the centre of continental grassroots football development.
Motsepe underscored the importance of school football as the foundation of success across Africa, saying sustained investment in youth structures is essential to transforming the game on the continent.
“We started the schools football on the continent following a similar project that the Motsepe Foundation began more than 20 years ago in South Africa because schools football is the foundation of the success of football in each of the 54 countries in Africa,” said Motsepe.
He further highlighted how leading football nations have built success through strong youth systems rooted in school programmes.
“I visited Johan Cruyff many years ago, and he told me that one of the reasons why European football, especially Dutch football, is successful is because of the enormous investment in youth football,” he added.
Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi said hosting the tournament reflects Zimbabwe’s growing capacity to stage high-profile football events and advance development.
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“I want to welcome you to Zimbabwe and all the great support you've given our nation,” said Magwizi.
He added that Caf’s leadership has had a significant influence on Zimbabwe’s football progress and future ambitions.
“President, your vision has left a big impact on Zimbabwe, and I believe Zimbabwe has just been given the impetus it requires to go further,” Magwizi said.
Zimbabwe’s role as host also provided a platform for international cooperation, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Caf and Barbados on local soil—further reinforcing Zimbabwe’s position as a bridge for global football partnerships.
Barbados Football Association president Larry Harris expressed appreciation for the opportunity and support extended through the agreement.
“I bring you greetings from the small island of Barbados, where we have less than 300 000 people, and I am honoured to be here at such an auspicious occasion,” he said.
Harris said the partnership will play a key role in strengthening grassroots football development in his country.
“I am so happy that Caf has consented to assist Barbados in schools’ football, grassroots development, and other areas because we are still young in the development of our football,” he added.
Zimbabwe has in recent years strengthened its credentials as a host nation, successfully staging major junior tournaments, including last year’s Cosafa Under-17 Men’s Championship.
The Caf African Schools Championships finals added to that growing reputation, with Senegal defeating Uganda 5-4 on penalties in the boys’ final, while Ghana retained the girls’ title after a dramatic 10-9 shootout victory over Burkina Faso.