ZIFA’s First 100 Days: A Vibrant New Chapter for Z...

ZIFA’s First 100 Days: A Vibrant New Chapter for Zim Football Blooms!

Patience Muchemwa- Senior Reporter

A refreshing breeze of change is sweeping through Zimbabwean football. After navigating a turbulent period, the Zimbabwe Football Association has proudly completed its first 100 days under dynamic new leadership—a milestone hailed by the football fraternity as the dawn of a brighter era for the beloved sport in the nation.

The newly elected Executive Committee, led by the enthusiastic President Nqobile Magwizi and the determined General Secretary Yvonne Mapika Manwa, assumed office following watershed elections on January 25, 2025.

Their mission? Nothing short of a complete transformation—to reform, rebuild, and inject fresh energy into Zimbabwean football, from the grassroots to the grand international stage.

In a powerful statement reflecting on this period, General Secretary Yvonne Mapika Manwa declared:
"Today marks a critical milestone as we reflect on the first 100 days of the new ZIFA Executive Committee. It is a moment not only to celebrate our early achievements but also to affirm our collective resolve to restore integrity, transform football administration, and usher in a new era of excellence for Zimbabwean football."

The leadership team swiftly identified five key pillars to guide their initial efforts: institution-building, partnership development, sustainable commercialisation, infrastructure and technology investment, and technical capacity enhancement. The results in just over three months have been encouraging, with an impressive 18 out of 22 institutional reform objectives already achieved or actively underway.

Demonstrating their commitment to transparency and accountability, the Executive Committee promptly initiated a thorough financial audit through the reputable Grant Thornton and a comprehensive human resources and skills audit via Samara Corporate Consultants.

Furthermore, fifteen vital Standing Committees have been formed, boasting a commendable 28.6% female representation—signaling a move toward greater inclusivity.

President Nqobile Magwizi did not mince words when addressing the critical issue of integrity, stating firmly:
"We reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, match-fixing, and all forms of misconduct. Structural mechanisms to safeguard the integrity of the game are being designed and will be implemented without fear or favour."

He added with resolute optimism:
"We are clear-eyed about the challenges and confident in our capacity to overcome them—through hard work, unity, and an unrelenting focus on delivering value to the game and its people."

The Committee has been proactive in engaging with the broader football family, conducting outreach programs across all provinces, holding fruitful discussions with both local and international football governing bodies, and participating in an insightful induction by FIFA.

This engagement provided crucial clarity on implementing the FIFA Forward framework, which subsequently informed the development of a comprehensive four-year strategic plan incorporating valuable input from ZIFA members. This strategic roadmap lays a solid foundation for program devolution and the establishment of inclusive football governance.

On the commercial front, ZIFA is showing exciting progress. The association has relaunched its brand identity, established a dedicated Commercial Department under the leadership of Mark Ruck, and already secured a significant US$150,000 commitment from Betterbrands for much-needed national team equipment.

Adding to this momentum, a three-year partnership has been signed with 4May International to provide stylish formal attire for the national teams. President Magwizi extended a warm invitation to the corporate world, saying:
"We continue to urge corporate partners to give the new era a chance and assure them that they will not regret going into partnership with the association."

The focus on technical development is equally vibrant. Coaching courses for CAF D and C licenses are currently underway, with plans for CAF B licenses progressing well. A groundbreaking Goalkeeper Coaching Clinic has also been launched for the first time, demonstrating a commitment to all aspects of the game.

The innovative “Roots & Dreams” initiative is actively connecting talented diaspora players in the UK and Europe with the national setup, broadening the talent pool. General Secretary Manwa emphasized a holistic approach:
"Our focus on technical development spans from grassroots to elite levels. Key initiatives include reviving competitions, rebuilding the national talent pipeline, integrating diaspora players, and expanding coaching development."

Infrastructure remains a significant hurdle, but encouraging steps are being taken. The much-needed renovation of the National Sports Stadium is in progress, with an ambitious target completion date of July 2025. Furthermore, the acquisition of land for a new ZIFA headquarters and technical centre is underway, and local authorities have generously offered sites for regional Centres of Excellence—promising a brighter future for football facilities across the nation. ZIFA has also forged a partnership with the esteemed International Football Institute in Munich to spearhead digital transformation in crucial areas such as talent tracking and league operations, embracing modern technology to enhance the game.

Looking ahead with determination, General Secretary Manwa affirmed:
"We have laid the foundation for sustainable progress and integrity-driven leadership. Our vision for the coming year is clear: to build on our successes, innovate with purpose, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve."

As ZIFA embarks on this exciting new chapter, the Executive Committee has expressed sincere gratitude to the entire football community for their support and patience, pledging unwavering commitment to continued transparency, inclusive engagement, and the diligent delivery of their strategic objectives.

In a final, uplifting note, President Magwizi concluded with palpable optimism:
"The best days of Zimbabwean football lie ahead!"