The growth of sport in any nation depends not only on talent and participation but also on visibility, credibility, and sustainable institutional support. In this regard, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Zimbabwe Korfball Federation (ZKF) and Zim Now marks a defining moment for the development of korfball in Zimbabwe. Formalised in Harare on 12 January 2025, the agreement appoints Zim Now as the Federation’s official media partner, signaling a strategic commitment to elevating the sport’s national profile while strengthening its commercial and governance foundations.

Korfball, a globally recognised mixed-gender sport built on principles of inclusivity, teamwork, and community engagement, has steadily expanded its footprint in Zimbabwe. However, like many emerging sports, its growth has been constrained by limited exposure and inconsistent media representation. The partnership with Zim Now directly addresses this challenge by positioning media as a central driver of development rather than a peripheral support function. Through structured digital publishing, video storytelling, news coverage, and event reporting, Zim Now will provide consistent and professional exposure for ZKF programmes, competitions, national teams, grassroots initiatives, and approved commercial activities across its multimedia platforms.

Beyond increasing visibility, the partnership introduces a forward-looking model focused on sustainability and value creation. The agreement provides for the development of joint revenue-generating initiatives, including branded content, sponsored events, promotional campaigns, and strategic partnerships. These initiatives are designed to reduce reliance on external funding and enable the Federation to pursue a self-funding growth model, thereby strengthening its long-term financial resilience. In doing so, the collaboration enhances stakeholder confidence and positions ZKF as a credible, well-governed sporting institution aligned with modern best practices.

Zimbabwe Korfball Federation President Tarirai Chadebah described the partnership as a transformative step for the sport, noting that it goes beyond media exposure to address structural and institutional growth. “This partnership with Zim Now is a game-changer for korfball in Zimbabwe. It provides a strong platform to showcase our athletes, competitions, and development programs while also strengthening our commercial sustainability and governance visibility. Through this collaboration, we are building a more visible, credible, and financially resilient federation capable of supporting the long-term growth of the sport,” he said.

The partnership reflects a broader commitment to supporting high-impact and emerging sectors that contribute positively to national development. Managing Partner Monica Cheru emphasised the role of media in shaping narratives and unlocking opportunities. “We are proud to partner with the Zimbabwe Korfball Federation in amplifying a sport that reflects inclusivity, teamwork, and community development. Through our platforms, we will help tell the korfball story to a wider national audience while supporting ZKF to create value for sponsors, partners, and stakeholders,” she said.

An equally significant dimension of the MoU lies in its contribution to transparency, compliance, and accountability. By ensuring that ZKF activities are professionally documented, communicated, and archived, the partnership reinforces governance standards and strengthens accountability to athletes, sponsors, partners, regulators, and the wider public This level of professionalism is essential in building trust and positioning the Federation as a reliable custodian of the sport.

As Zimbabwe’s sporting ecosystem continues to evolve, the ZKF–Zim Now partnership stands as a compelling example of how strategic collaboration between sports and media can unlock growth, inspire confidence, and create sustainable impact. It represents not only an investment in korfball’s present visibility but also a long-term commitment to its future. With this alliance in place, korfball in Zimbabwe is poised to move from the margins to the mainstream, supported by a partnership that ensures its story is told with clarity, credibility, and purpose.