By Shepherd Masunda, Senior Reporter
Newly promoted Pacific Storm Eastern Division One Soccer League side, Bikita Chida Athletic Club, has welcomed the move by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) for all clubs participating in the Division One Soccer League to establish an Under-17 team as a way of nurturing young talent.
In a letter addressed to all Eastern Division clubs on 28 January 2026, and seen by this publication, ZIFA Regional Administrator Fungai Munyoro-Chingaira highlighted that having an Under-17 team is now mandatory to develop football at the grassroots level.
Bikita Chida Athletic Club head coach Dzikamai Muvhimi said he is happy with ZIFA’s decision on compulsory Under-17 teams for each club since it enhances player development at the grassroots level.
“As a club, we are happy with ZIFA’s decision, and it is key for the development of football in our Division One league,” said Muvhimi.
“As we are preparing for the start of our season, with senior players already in camp, we have assessed some junior players during our trials on Sunday, and everything is going according to plan,” he added.
Bikita Chida Athletic Club president Honest Chida said the move is good for young players to develop and that it will actually serve as a backup for the senior squad.
“Young talented players will get the much-needed exposure before they actually fit into the senior team, and that is essential for the development of football in our rural communities,” said Chida.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) recently called for the development of football from the grassroots level, stating that clubs participating in Division One should have a team for U17. The clubs must support the junior team and register it. The U17 team will therefore curtain-raise home games for the senior team.
