The CECAFA region is expanding its focus on youth women’s football with the announcement of a new under-17 tournament. While the senior women’s competition is already underway, Nicholas Musonye, Secretary General of CECAFA, confirmed at a press conference on Friday that the inaugural edition of the U17 women’s tournament will take place later this year. This initiative follows the example set by COSAFA, which successfully organized its first under-17 women’s competition earlier in 2019.
Uganda has been selected as the host country for the tournament, which is scheduled to run from December 7th to 19th, 2019. Interestingly, these dates coincide with the senior men’s tournament in the region, reflecting CECAFA’s intention to align competitions and maximize exposure for youth players. The U17 tournament will provide a crucial platform for young female footballers to showcase their talent on a regional stage and gain valuable competitive experience.
CECAFA’s decision to introduce a tournament for this age group highlights the growing emphasis on developing women’s football at the grassroots and youth levels across East Africa. By creating more opportunities for young players, the organization aims to strengthen the pipeline of talent feeding into national teams and enhance the overall competitiveness of women’s football in the region.
The U17 tournament is expected to attract participation from several member nations, giving young players the chance to represent their countries and gain early exposure to international competition. This experience will not only aid in their development but also encourage more girls to pursue football seriously, contributing to the growth of the sport across East Africa.
Musonye emphasized that the new competition aligns with CECAFA’s broader objectives of promoting women’s football and creating structured pathways for young talent. By following COSAFA’s example, the East African zone seeks to ensure that female players have opportunities comparable to those provided to their male counterparts. The initiative reflects a commitment to gender equality in sports and to building sustainable programs for female athletes at all levels.
Uganda, as host, will benefit from organizing the tournament by highlighting its facilities and infrastructure while fostering local interest in women’s football. The event will likely draw attention from scouts, coaches, and regional media, providing a valuable platform for promoting the sport and encouraging further investment in women’s football development programs.
Overall, the inaugural CECAFA U17 women’s tournament represents an important step in nurturing young talent and expanding opportunities for female players across East Africa. By giving young athletes the chance to compete internationally, the competition will contribute to raising standards, inspiring future generations, and strengthening the regional football structure for women at all levels.
