Warriors legend Esrom Nyandoro expects stiff competition at CAF African Schools Football Championship, Zimbabwe 2026

Former Zimbabwean international Esrom Nyandoro says he expects stiff competition at the fourth edition of the CAF African Schools Football Championship, which will be held on his home turf, Harare from April 6.

Nyandoro, who himself was scouted while playing in the Peter Ndlovu invitational Under-19 tournament, believes the CAF African Schools Championship is a massive platform to identify and nurture talent and believes the growth since the first edition in 2022 has made it competitive.

“I am expecting very good competition between these teams, and the groups are really tough and well balanced. I am excited to see how far Zimbabwe can go in a group that also has Morocco who are not pushovers. The holders Tanzania as well are in a relatively tough group and I am really looking forward to their game against Zambia,” Nyandoro said.

Holders Tanzania are in Group B and take on Zambia, Senegal and Benin while hosts Zimbabwe take on Morocco, Uganda and DR Congo in Group A.

Nyandoro, who played at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2004 has asked the players to go out and enjoy themselves, expressing their talent and showcase what African youth football is all about.

“The most important thing is to go out there and enjoy the game. They are all winners at the end of the day and now, they just need to express themselves and enjoy.”

The tournament will be staged from 6-10 April in Harare, bringing together Africa’s brightest football prospects in a competitive stage.