09 Apr 2017

Chobe District will  host the annual youth football tournament for junior soccer teams over the Easter holidays.

 

The tournament, which will be used for identifying talent for youth national teams will see under 13, 15 and 17 teams comprising of both boys and girls  competing in the event.  

 

“From this tournament we will select 600 players for the national teams which will be later trimmed down in the second tournament,” said BFA youth development officer, Odirile Matlhako.  

 

He noted that they were starting age-based football leagues as the basis for player development for teams under 13,15, 17 and that the following year they will introduce under 14, 16 and 18 teams.

 

He also emphasised that the BFA leadership objective was to turn the standard of football upward within their four year mandate.

 

Welcoming the delegates, the chairperson of Chobe regional football association (CHORFA), Roger Pitse said the preparations for the upcoming youth tournament were going smoothly and urged all Chobe residents to support participating teams.

 

Northern national block coordinator, Obvious Moyo noted that although they had challenges that did not discourage them on their mission which was selecting the crème de la crème of the local talent. 

 

“You cannot develop a player when he is 20-years-old, it would be hard for them to learn the basic skills of football when they are old,” he added.

 

A local football activist in the Chobe region, Nelson Litiho also applauded BFA for choosing Chobe to host the youth tournament, saying it was high time the region was known for other activities such as sports, not just tourism.

 

The tournament will be held at Chobe Junior Secondary School from April 14-17. ENDS