THE Young Warriors have been drawn with hosts and 2020 champions Mozambique in the 2024 Cosafa Under-20 championships that kick-start at the end of the month.
Zimbabwe’s national Under-20 team were placed in Group C together with Mozambique, Eswatini and Botswana.
Group A comprises South Africa, Malawi, Comoros and Lesotho, while record winners Zambia will face Angola, Namibia and Madagascar.
The 2024 Cosafa Under 20 men championship is set to take place in Maputo from September 26 to October 5.
The regional tournament will feature 12 teams competing for a spot in the TotalEnergies Caf Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations next year.
Two finalists will earn tickets to the Under-20 Afcon.
Zimbabwe’s opening match will be against Mozambique on September 26, followed by a clash against Botswana on September 29 and a final group stage match against Eswatini on October 1.
The top team in each pool and the best second-placed team will advance to the semi-finals.
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Cosafa Under-20 championship has a rich history, where Zambia hold record for the most titles, with South Africa and Zimbabwe coming in second and third place.
It aims to develop young talent and provide a competitive environment for players to prepare for senior international football.
The championship has a proven track record of unleashing talented young players onto the international football scene.
Countries have benefited, with players like Clifford Mulenga and Isaac Chansa (Zambia), Tinashe Nengomasa and Onismor Bhasera (Zimbabwe) and Jimmy Zakazaka(Malawi) using the Cosafa Under 20 championship as a springboard to launch their careers abroad.
For South Africa, the likes of Itumeleng Khune, Lerato Chabangu, Daine Klate, Elriovan Heerden and Lyle Foster have all graduated from this level to achieve success in their club and international carrier.
As the 2024 edition approaches, football fans and scouts alike will be watching closely to identify the next generation of stars.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Under-17 team was drawn in Group B to face Zambia, Namibia and Eswatini, while the girls’ side are in Group C, where they will have to compete with Zambia, Botswana and Mauritius.
The Under-17 championships will also be hosted in Maputo from December 5 to 15.
