Zimbabwean football’s leadership has declared the end of a rebuilding phase and the beginning of a results-driven era, using the 2026 ZIFA Congress to outline a new focus on delivery, development, and institutional reform across the game.
Addressing delegates, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi said the past year had been defined by rebuilding trust, restoring order, and laying foundations for reform within the country’s football structures. He said the work now moves into a new phase focused on implementation and measurable progress.
“When we assumed office in 2025, our priority was clear. We did not need grand declarations ,we needed stability,” Magwizi told the congress. “We are now in a stronger position to shift our focus from stabilisation to delivery.”
A key pillar of this transition is the strengthening of national identity in football. Magwizi said the “Warrior Pride” initiative represents more than branding, describing it as a unifying symbol for Zimbabwean football.
“It was a decision to take ownership of our identity and begin shaping our own story as Zimbabwean football,” he said. “It gives our players something to represent, our supporters something to believe in, and our nation something to rally behind.”
The development of the women’s game also featured prominently in the address. With the rollout of a national women’s football strategy now in its implementation phase, Magwizi said progress is being made in building structure and consistency, supported by increased regional competition under COSAFA and continental engagement through CAF programmes.
“Following the launch of the Women’s Football Strategy, we are now firmly in the phase of implementation,” he said.
At senior level, the ZIFA president highlighted the growing integration of diaspora talent into the national team setup, noting that more than 30 percent of match-day squads are now developed outside Zimbabwe.
Related Stories
“This is not by chance. It is by design,” he said. “Wherever a Zimbabwean player is, they must know they are part of this national effort.”
Grassroots development remains a central focus, with programmes such as the BancABC Roots Impact initiative reaching thousands of young players nationwide. Magwizi said these efforts are creating structured pathways for talent development across all provinces.
“These are not just numbers. These are opportunities being created, talent being nurtured, and a foundation being laid for the future of the game,” he said.
On infrastructure, Magwizi confirmed ongoing collaboration with government and international partners, including FIFA, to develop community facilities. Projects such as FIFA Arena constructions at Chitsere and Mzilikazi Primary Schools are already underway.
“These are important steps, and they signal the direction we are taking,” he said.
Despite acknowledging financial constraints and infrastructure gaps, Magwizi maintained that progress is being made.
“Progress is being made, steady, deliberate, and purposeful,” he said.
Leave Comments