Warriors captain Willard Katsande believes the country has the capacity to participate consistently at the Africa cup of nations finals if junior football development is taken seriously.

The 30 year old Kaizer Chiefs strongman became only the second skipper after the legendary Peter Ndlovu to lead the Warriors to the AFCON finals last Sunday when Zimbabwe beat Malawi 3-0 at the National Sports Stadium.

But he feels the nation's joy will be intermittent if a foundation is not laid for the future generation.

“Yes we have qualified but what about tomorrow,  we need to support the juniors so that we have a continuous supply of quality players at National level,” said Katsande.

He was speaking at the fourth edition of the Willard Katsande Under-18 tournament held at Sakubva yesterday.

Deportivo La Sakubva,  the team that groomed Katsande,  Washington Arubi and Onismo Bhasera won the tournament after beating local team Shekon Stars in the final.

They pocketed $1 000 while the losing finalists got half that amount.

“I have seen a lot of good youngsters here, very good technic but we have to support them as they grow in this game.

“Zimbabwe has got talent and we should be a permanent feature at the AFCON finals no doubt. I am obliged to give back to the community, the same community that produced Willard.”

Manicaland Provincial Minister Mandy Chimene was the guest of honour at the tournament graced by current and former premier soccer league players.

Former gunners and Kaizer Chiefs left back Zhaimu Jambo,  Bidvest Wits and warriors player Bhasera and former warriors attacking linkman Ovidy Karuru were also at Sakubva yesterday.

Former Buffaloes coach Timothy Masachi who was in charge of La Sakubva urged fellow junior coaches to use the right aged players in junior tournaments.

“ It's no use playing a 20 year old player in an Under-18 tournament,  we will  be cheating ourselves,” he said.