Get ready to witness the future of African football! But here’s where it gets even more exciting—beyond the thrilling matches, the CAF U17 GIFT Zimbabwe 2025 is set to leave a lasting impact through a series of transformative training and workshops. Published on Friday, December 5, 2025, this event promises to be more than just a tournament.
From December 8–18, 2025, Harare, Zimbabwe, will host the second edition of the Confédération Africaine de Football’s (CAF) Under-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT). This initiative is a cornerstone of the continent’s women’s football development program, providing a platform for eight clubs from Southern Africa to compete and shine. And this is the part most people miss—while the on-field action is electrifying, the real game-changer lies in the educational opportunities happening behind the scenes.
Young Referees Training: The tournament’s success hinges on its officials, and a dedicated training workshop for young referees—mostly female, including 10 local match officials—will conclude on Sunday. These referees aren’t just managing the games; they’re shaping the future of refereeing in the region. Is this the beginning of a new era for female referees in African football? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Media Officers Workshop: In a unique hybrid format, media officers from local clubs, national associations, and competing teams will gather for an in-person and online workshop. This session will delve into the critical role of media officers and CAF’s expectations for their seamless operation, ensuring teams receive the visibility they deserve. But here’s a controversial question: Are media officers truly getting the recognition they deserve in African football?
GAVI & UEFA Awareness Campaign: In partnership with UEFA, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) will host an informative session on the importance of vaccinations for young athletes. While no vaccines will be administered, this campaign aims to empower participants with life-saving knowledge. Could this be a model for integrating health education into sports events across the continent?
D-Licence Coaching Course & Grassroots Festival: Running from December 6–13, this coaching course culminates in a grassroots festival featuring children from the Norton community. Under the guidance of instructors, coaches-in-training will lead the festival, blending learning with real-world application. Imagine the impact this could have on local football communities!
This tournament isn’t just about scoring goals—it’s about building a legacy of knowledge, skill, and awareness. What aspect of this event excites you the most? Share your thoughts below and let’s spark a conversation!
