ZIMBABWE has withdrawn the national Under-17 team, from taking part in the Africa Under-17 Nations Cup due to financial challenges.
The Young Warriors were last in action for that competition in 2012, before they were again withdrawn after failing to fulfil an away second leg fixture in Congo Brazzaville.
But they have now pulled out, when they were due to play the Comoros.
Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa confirmed the withdrawal of the Under-17s, while also making assurances those other national teams with be able to honour their respective competitions.
“Our senior men’s national team, the Warriors, will participate in the momentous Gabon 2017 Orange Africa Cup of Nations finals while the senior women’s national team, the Mighty Warriors will participate in the historic Rio 2016 Olympics and the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon,” said Chiyangwa in a press statement on Friday.
“The Mighty Warriors are currently in camp preparing for the Olympic games. We are confident that the legacy of this qualification, will spur the growth of Women football in Zimbabwe.
“Only the Under 17 national team has been withdrawn from the 2017 Orange U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to budgetary constraints.”
He added: “Going forward the Association will assess the costs and benefits of participating in future International tournaments.
“It is imperative to stress that while it is important to participate in International competitions, we need to avoid partaking in competitions when there is no adequate funding.
“The Zifa Executive Committee led by Dr Chiyangwa is fully conscious of its mandate and shall never abdicate from its responsibilities.”
Recent Zifa regimens have been sharply criticised for turning a blind eye on junior national teams despite their financial challenges.Advertisement