The COSAFA Women’s Under-20 Championship is set to make a long-awaited return this November, marking its second edition since the inaugural competition in 2019. The tournament, which will take place in Gauteng from November 20-24, is part of a record-breaking five women’s competitions being held by COSAFA this year, underscoring the organization’s role in advancing women’s football across the African continent.
This year’s U20 Championship will feature four teams competing in a round-robin format, with hosts South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, and Mozambique all confirmed to participate.
At the end of the group phase, the top two teams will face off in the final to determine the champion, while the third and fourth-placed sides will compete for the bronze medal.
This structure offers a competitive yet condensed schedule, enabling each team to showcase its talent while providing fans with an exciting week of youth football.
The 2024 tournament signifies the return of a competition that has been on hiatus for five years, last held in Gqeberha in 2019.
That year, East African guest team Tanzania claimed the title, defeating Zambia 2-1 in the final to become the tournament’s inaugural champions.
During that edition, several players left a lasting impression, with Zambia’s Maylan Mulenga clinching the Golden Boot for her five goals in the competition.
Mulenga has since advanced to represent Zambia at the senior level, a testament to the developmental role that tournaments like the COSAFA U20 Championship play for young talent.
The 2024 edition adds to a busy year for COSAFA, which has already hosted the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship, the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifier, and the Girls African Schools Football Championship for Under-15 players.
Following the U20 Championship, COSAFA will also stage the Women’s Under-17 Championship, scheduled for December 5-14 in Maputo, Mozambique.
These competitions reflect COSAFA’s dedication not only to nurturing players but also to the growth of coaches, referees, and administrators in women’s football.
COSAFA’s commitment to organizing these events highlights its position as a leader in women’s football development across Africa.
Each tournament provides invaluable experience for emerging players, many of whom go on to play pivotal roles in their national teams.
The upcoming U20 Championship is expected to be a platform for future stars, as was the case in the previous edition, where several young players showcased their skills.
The 2019 U20 Championship produced memorable matchups, with Tanzania outlasting South Africa in the semi-finals and eventually overcoming Zambia in the final.
Tanzania’s success in that competition was bolstered by standout performances from players like Enekia Lunyamila and Opah Clement, who would later make a name for themselves internationally.
Lunyamila earned the Player of the Tournament award, while Zimbabwe’s Cynthia Shonga was recognized as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, underscoring the level of talent fostered at COSAFA events.
COSAFA has previously hosted Women’s Under-20 tournaments as part of the Region 5 Games, where South Africa secured titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018.
However, those tournaments were not technically under COSAFA’s direct organization and were played at different age levels.
This year’s standalone U20 Championship reaffirms COSAFA’s commitment to building a robust and sustainable pathway for young female athletes in southern Africa, ensuring that youth players have the opportunity to develop their skills on a larger stage.
As preparations ramp up for the return of the COSAFA Women’s Under-20 Championship, anticipation is high for another thrilling showcase of talent.
With national pride and regional supremacy on the line, the tournament promises to bring together some of the region’s brightest prospects, who may well become the stars of tomorrow in African women’s football.
