Young Warriors set COSAFA Cup targets

By Sport Reporter

ZIMBABWE’s under 20 men’s football team coach, Simon Marange, says he is targeting a place in the final of the 2024 COSAFA Cup tournament which kicks off in Maputo, Mozambique on Thursday.

Zimbabwe is in Group A together with Eswatini, Botswana and hosts Mozambique.

Group B consists of Angola, Namibia and Zambia while Group C has South Africa, Lesotho, Comoros and Malawi.

The two finalists at this year’s COSAFA Cup tournament will automatically qualify for next year’s under 20 AFCON tournament.

“I think the quality of the squad and where we are, we should be aiming to go to the AFCON.

“Personally that is the goal, we really need to qualify because it gives us another international platform.

“This will also give the players that are left out another chance to be seen at an even bigger stage,” said Marange.

Zimbabwe is marking its return to the men’s under 20 COSAFA Cup tournament after missing the previous three editions due to a FIFA ban.

Although the team hasn’t been competing at such a level for some time, the Young Warriors coach remains optimistic about an AFCON qualification.

“Pressure is part of the game at development level, so I think these players need to learn it, that’s why we are targeting to play the final.

“It’s group work and everyone has to contribute.

“I know it’s development football so it’s not all about results but still we need to give our best and qualify for AFCON,” he added.

YoungWarriors will play their first game on Thursday against Botswana before playing Eswatini and the hosts respectively.