Before the new ZIFA executive took charge in January 2025, Zimbabwean football had been in the intensive care unit after years of severe battering, fractured structures, endless boardroom squabbles, incoherent policies and limited pathways for players and coaches following the absence of a structured development programme.

Yet in just over a year, a refreshing breath of air is sweeping across national football.

So refreshing is the change that it has caught the attention of Gianni Infantino, who has pledged to visit Zimbabwe this year.

Since the current ZIFA executive assumed office, they have been hard at work introducing formal standards and corporate governance systems to address long-standing gaps. The changes aim to bring structure and predictability to coaching, competitions, youth development and governance — areas that previously operated with minimal oversight or coordination.

One of the first areas to see new standards was coaching and technical education. After appointing Burundian expert Dominique Niyonzima as Technical Director, Zimbabwe Football Association reinstated CAF-aligned coaching courses that had not been regularly offered in previous years.

Many coaches in charge of Premier Soccer League clubs had last attained a CAF A Licence more than six years ago, meaning their credentials were outdated and no longer met minimum continental requirements. 

The reintroduction of these courses marked a departure from informal coaching arrangements and laid a baseline for future training and certification. The measures are intended to make coaching more consistent and professional across clubs and regions.

A related change came when minimum coaching qualifications were mandated for clubs at multiple levels of the league structure. Ahead of the 2026 season, ZIFA issued directives requiring coaches to hold recognised CAF licences — a move welcomed by provincial officials as bringing local football closer to continental norms. 

Instead of leaving coach appointments to informal practice, the directive introduced a measurable requirement for professional competency.

Standards have also been applied to governance and regulatory compliance. The association reinforced its role as the supreme football governing body responsible for structured competitions.

 Informal organisations running parallel leagues were suspended or brought into compliance with ZIFA regulations, signalling that competitions must operate under one recognised framework if they are to be legitimate and recognised in official records. 

This move clarified the rules of engagement for clubs and competitions across the country.

Another notable development has been in grassroots and youth football. In late 2025, the association signed an agreement with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to integrate football into school programmes through structured calendars, teacher training and child-safeguarding systems.

This marked a departure from the previously informal and fragmented youth football scene, where many young players lacked a clear system or pathway. By linking school-level activities to national football structures, stakeholders expect more disciplined talent identification and development over time.

At the governance level, ZIFA also published its audited financial statements for the year ending 2024 — the first in many years — providing clarity on revenue flows, expenditures and financial obligations. While transparency alone does not resolve financial challenges, it establishes a benchmark for accountability and reporting that had been absent for a long period.

For the national teams, there has been more consistent use of FIFA international windows to schedule competitive matches. Unlike previous cycles where fixtures were arranged erratically, Zimbabwe’s senior and junior teams have competed in every available international break since mid-2025. 

This regular match activity is now regarded as standard practice, ensuring players gain continuity and practical exposure rather than relying on ad-hoc scheduling.

Throughout these changes, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has remained modest, attributing progress to teamwork and renewed unity within the association.

Magwizi shared thoughts reflecting the intent behind the standards being introduced. Addressing national expectations following disappointing results, he said:

“Football in our country is more than a sport; it is a bond that unites us and a symbol of who we are.”

He urged unity among supporters, players and administrators, emphasising that “division will not take us forward; unity, patience and collective effort will.”

Magwizi also acknowledged the broader context of Zimbabwean football development, noting that past economic difficulties had hindered progress.

“Investment into infrastructure and development was compromised,” he said, adding that the game is still catching up after long periods without structured growth.

Another area receiving renewed attention is women’s football development. ZIFA’s new women’s football strategy outlines a long-term framework aimed at building competitive domestic leagues, increasing participation and establishing clear pathways from grassroots to elite levels.

Magwizi described the strategy as one designed to create a system “capable of nurturing talent from the youngest age groups through to the senior national teams,” emphasising a move beyond symbolic participation toward structured development.

Infrastructure remains a key challenge when discussing standards in Zimbabwean football. Speaking at a public event, Magwizi said: “We must work closely with our government and corporate partners to address chronic stadium and facility shortages,” noting that modern football requires quality venues and supporting infrastructure to meet regional and continental requirements.

Since 2025, the executive has also been working to bring international football matches back to Zimbabwe. For several years, national teams were forced to play home fixtures outside the country due to stadium compliance issues.

Efforts are now underway to restore the hosting of international matches at the National Sports Stadium. Hosting matches locally would allow supporters to watch the national team on home soil once again and restore Zimbabwe’s presence on the regional football calendar.

Zimbabwe’s national teams, including the men’s side Zimbabwe national football team, have also become more active during international windows. Instead of sporadic matches, the teams are now scheduled to play during regular FIFA international periods, helping maintain competitive rhythm and preparation.

Taken together, these developments represent an attempt to shift Zimbabwean football from a loosely organised environment to one guided by clearer rules, systems and expectations.

Perhaps the most ambitious initiative so far is the US$25 million Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, a flagship knockout tournament that will feature teams from Under-14 level to elite Premier Soccer League sides. 

The competition offers a US$1 million prize for the winner and a ticket to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup.