Athlete age falsification in Mozambique school sports

During the XVI National School Sports Festival in Mozambique, the Gaza provincial men’s volleyball team was disqualified following the detection of age falsification in their documentation. This administrative decision resulted in the Manica team being declared the winner of their match.

Following the tournament, the Gaza provincial government launched a formal investigation led by the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC). The inquiry aims to identify the involvement of teachers, parents, sports staff, and civil identification officials in the tampering. The province was responsible for eight of the 31 age-related irregularities detected across the country.

As a result of these disqualifications, Gaza fell from its position as the 2024 defending champion to ninth place in the overall standings. Governor Alfeu Cuna stated that "exemplary punitive measures will be taken against those responsible" once the investigation concludes. Despite the controversy, the Gaza delegation secured several medals in individual events, including first place in women’s volleyball.