THE Young Warriors will not be taking part at this year's Zone VI Games to be staged in Zambia next month.

According to the draw released by organisers, the Games will feature 10 men's Under-17 teams and four Under-20 women's teams. The football competitions at the Zone VI Games will fall under Cosafa.

The men's Under-17 tournament will see 10 countries split into two groups of five. Group A consists of hosts Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, Botswana and Seychelles, while Group B comprised of Angola, Namibia, Swaziland, Mauritius and Lesotho.

The matches will be played at the Nkoloma and Zanaco Sunset in Lusaka starting from December 7. The top two teams in each pool advance to the semi-finals.

Chef de mission for Team Zimbabwe, Joseph Muchechetere, said the lack of sponsorship forced them to restrict the number of participants at the Games. Zimbabwe will be represented in swimming, athletics, athletics in visually impaired and women's football team at the Games.

"There was no sponsorship for other sports like basketball, handball, U-17 football team, netball and other disciplines," said Muchechetere.