Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zifa may have just scored a major victory after signing a potentially game-changing memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in Harare yesterday, aimed at revitalising football development in Zimbabwe.
The quality of football in the country has declined significantly in recent years, with many stakeholders attributing the downturn to weaknesses in junior football — particularly within the school system, which forms the foundation of talent development.
Sports science suggests that a footballer requires at least 10 000 hours of structured development to reach their full potential. However, schools have struggled to meet this benchmark, with football largely confined to the Second Term, and most school coaches lacking formal qualifications.
This newly signed MoU could mark a turning point, laying the groundwork for a robust and sustainable football development system. The agreement was signed by Zifa President Nqobile Magwizi and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Moses Mhike.
“I am happy to finally reach this day where we are signing the MoU, with the Ministry committing to work hand-in-hand with Zifa in shaping the next generation of athletes in Zimbabwe. I think it is very important to express our gratitude to the Government of Zimbabwe, particularly through the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, which has done amazing things for us at Zifa. The Ministry has long been the cradle of sporting excellence — this is where many of our greatest footballers were first discovered, playing on dusty grounds for nothing but passion
“This MoU is built on a proud legacy. It formalises what has always been true: football and education are not separate entities but complementary forces. Through this partnership, we are integrating structured football development into the national education system — nurturing talent from the classroom to the national stage, and ensuring that every boy and girl in Zimbabwe has the opportunity to learn, play, and grow with discipline,” said Magwizi.
Magwizi reaffirmed Zifa’s full commitment to the collaboration.
“We will provide technical expertise, capacity building for teachers, and clear pathways linking school football to our youth academies, regional centres, schools of excellence, and national teams. Starting next year, we will launch provincial leagues for Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 age groups. Each province will have its own team, and the best players will be selected for national youth squads.
“We will maintain a database of top performers to ensure transparency and eliminate the confusion that has plagued previous selection processes. A working committee, including our Technical Director and other key stakeholders, will oversee implementation.”
The MoU will be in effect for five years, with the possibility of renewal based on its success and feasibility.
Permanent Secretary Mhike, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential.
“School football will never be the same again. We are not only focusing on the boy child — we also want to produce the next Kwinji 15 (former Mighty Warriors star Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda).
Now that we’ve signed this MoU, we must develop a comprehensive work plan. Some initiatives may take time, but we are committed to moving forward as a nation. I’ve urged both parties to uphold integrity and transparency as we implement this MoU. From the Ministry’s side, we are ready to walk the talk. It can be done.”
Nash President Cephas Mutumhe and his deputy Norman Gombera, also attended the signing ceremony.
“This is the right direction for football development. We are pleased that teachers will receive training and become qualified coaches to work with emerging talent in schools,” Gombera said.
