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Ten African football icons to inspire young talent at CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals Zimbabwe 2026

Published:
  • Zimbabwean legends, Esrom Nyandoro, Rudo Neshamba lead star-studded line-up of CAF Legends
  • Continental Finals matches will be played between 06 -10 April 2026 in Harare
  • Legends to encourage and inspire Africa’s emerging talent

The CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals Zimbabwe 2026 will be elevated by the presence of a distinguished team of African football legends, set to mentor and inspire the continent’s rising stars.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship will take place at Gateway High School in Harare from 06 – 10 April 2026.

Amongst the various roles, the former international stars will directly engage with players and coaches both on and off the field as part of the qualified teams’ unique and exclusive experience at the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals.

Leading the line-up of legends are host nation icons, Esrom Nyandoro and Rudo Neshamba, whose achievements continue to inspire generations of Zimbabwean players.

They are joined by Zambian striker Nchumunya Mweetwa, a prolific forward known for his sharp finishing in front of goal, and Tunisian defender Karim Haggui, who brings valuable European experience from the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen and Hannover 96.

Adding flair to the line-up is DR Congo’s Trésor Lualua, remembered for his exciting spells with Newcastle United and Portsmouth FC, where he lifted the FA Cup in 2008.

The finals will also feature leading figures from women’s football, including Ivorian trailblazer Clémentine Touré, who guided Côte d’Ivoire to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015, and reigning CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, Lamia Boumehdi, a respected figure in the game in Africa.

South African icon Amanda Dlamini, former captain of the women's national team, will also share her expertise, alongside compatriot Siphiwe Tshabalala, whose memorable goal in Africa’s first ever FIFA World Cup in 2010 lives long in the rich history of the game on the continent.

Tanzanian goalkeeper Sophia Mwasikili completes the line-up as a respected leader and consistent performer.

Winners of the Continental Finals of the CAF African Schools Football Championship in both the boys and girls categories receive USD 300 000, with runners-up receiving USD 200 000, while third-place finishers each receive USD 150 000.

Aligned with CAF’s strategic focus on youth development, all prize monies awarded are strictly ring-fenced for non-professional football projects that enhance both education and football infrastructure.

Over 3,160,000 Boys and Girls have participated in the Programme since 2022, making it the biggest schools football competition globally. A total of 142 360 school teams from 49 African countries have taken part in the programme.

CAF African Schools Football Championship Zimbabwe 2026 Continental Finals Legends: 

Esrom Nyandoro, Rudo Neshamba (Zimbabwe),  Clementine Toure (Cote d’Ivoire),  Trésor Lualua (DR Congo), Lamia Boumehdi (Morocco) Amanda Dlamini, Siphiwe Tshabalala (South Africa), Sophia Mwasikili (Tanzania), Karim Haggui (Tunisia), Nchumunya Mweetwa (Zambia).