The future of Zimbabwean football officially kicked into motion as the inaugural BancABC Roots Impact Leagues prepare for their long-awaited kickoff on 1 July 2026, ushering in a new era of structured grassroots competition across the country.
The launch, driven by ZIFA, brings together Under-14 and Under-16 boys’ and girls’ teams from all ten provinces, creating a nationwide platform where emerging players will compete, develop, and be monitored for future progression into higher levels of the game.
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ZIFA has framed the initiative as a decisive step toward rebuilding and strengthening grassroots football structures.
“The ZIFA-BancABC Roots Impact Programme is officially set to kick off on 1 July, running through to 1 September. This initiative brings together boys and girls at U-14 and U-16 level across all provinces, ensuring that talent identification and player development are consistent and inclusive,” the association said.
The use of the word “kickoff” has taken on added significance this year, as the programme is designed not only to launch matches but to ignite a broader football development movement. From provincial pitches to national scouting pathways,
At the centre of this launch is a key partnership with BancABC, which has committed US$200,000 toward the Roots Impact Programme. The investment is expected to support logistics, competition organisation, and talent development structures across the provinces, reinforcing the role of private sector funding in sustaining grassroots sport.
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