Over 400 youngsters from Zambia’s 10 provinces are expected to showcase their talent at the second edition of the Zanaco Grassroots Under-17 National Football Tournament in Lusaka.
The national finals will run from July 3 to 6 at Sunset Stadium.
Some players who impress at the tournament are expected to be integrated into Zanaco Football Club’s development structures.
Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe officiated at the draw for the 2026 tournament in Lusaka, setting the stage for the competition.
Chileshe said the youth tournament was an important platform for nurturing young talent and strengthening school sports development in the country.
He reiterated government’s commitment to grassroots and school sports, adding that investments in sports infrastructure, youth competitions, talent identification systems and sports academies were aimed at giving young athletes opportunities to develop their potential.
Zanaco Chief Executive Officer Mukwandi Chibesakunda said provincial trials for this year’s competition were already underway in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
