Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
ZIMBABWE has withdrawn from the Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers under unclear circumstances, paving the way for Ethiopia to advance to the next round of the competition.
The team was scheduled to face Ethiopia in the first round, with the first leg set to take place this month.
Reasons behind Zimbabwe remain unclear with Zifa yet to give official communication.
The news of the team withdrawal has been confirmed through the Ethiopian football association.
According to a statement by the Ethiopian Football Federation, Zimbabwe’s withdrawal means that Ethiopia will advance to the next round automatically.
“Ethiopia were drawn to play Zimbabwe in the first round of Women’s Under-17 qualifiers. However, the matches have been cancelled due to Zimbabwe withdrawing from the competition. As a result, Ethiopia will advance to the next round” reads the statement.
Ethiopia will now face the winner of the match between Egypt and Cameroon in the second round.
This development is a significant setback for Zimbabwean women’s football, as the Young Mighty Warriors were among the 28 countries participating in the competition.
The withdrawal raises concerns about the state of women’s football in Zimbabwe and the ability of the country’s teams to compete at the international level.
Women’s football administrator Lee Mangena, bemoaned the withdrawal from the tournament.
“It’s extremely disappointed by the withdrawal of our team from the Under-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. The girls had been training hard and were looking forward to competing against the best teams in Africa.
“This opportunity would have been invaluable for their growth and development as players. We hope that the relevant authorities will take steps to ensure that our teams are adequately prepared and supported to compete at the international level in the future.
“We are not a serious football nation if such things continue to happen. We are even getting to hear the sad news from Ethiopia and not our own association it’s sad,” said Mangena.
