Zimbabwe will once again be among the favourites for the COSAFA Under-20 Championship after being drawn against Zambia and Malawi for the 2016 edition slated for South Africa in December.

The Young Warriors side has been amongst the most successful teams in the history of the competition with six wins in all, the last coming in 2007 when they beat hosts South Africa 3-0 to record a comprehensive final win.

They reached the semifinals three years ago in Lesotho, but fell on penalties to South Africa and ended the competition in fourth place.

The Young Warriors who are in Group B would need to be at their best in the group stages as only the top team in each pool to advance to the semifinals.

Hosts and defending champions South Africa will have their work cut-out in the defence of their title as they take on neighbours Lesotho, Swaziland and Botswana in Group A, all teams that have caused them problems in the past.

Group C comprises of Angola, Namibia, Seychelles and Mauritius, while Group D has Mozambique, Comoros Islands and East African guest nation Rwanda, who compete in the place of Madagascar.

The teams will play each other in a round-robin format with the top sides from each pool advancing to the semifinals.

The group matches start on December 7 and will be completed on December 13. The semifinals will take place a day later, before the remaining teams enjoy a rest day.

COSAFA are staging the Under-20 competition for the first time since 2013 and it makes a welcome return to the calendar, providing the opportunity for young stars to catch the eye of international scouts.

Zambia have been the most successful side in the history of the COSAFA Under-20 Championships with 10 victories to their name, followed by Zimbabwe with six.

South Africa have claimed five titles with Madagascar the only other team to lift the trophy after their 2005 triumph.