Online Reporter
Petros Kausiyo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN yet another game-changing initiative by ZIFA, the football association are next week set to unveil a high-level sports management programme in the country.
The programme is a result of ZIFA’s move to seal a Memorandum of Understanding with the Midlands State University after which they went into partnership with FIFA and the International Centre for Sports Studies to bring the course on Zimbabweans’ doorsteps.
Now all is set for the launch of the programme in which Zimbabwe will become the 22nd country where the FIFA/CIES sports management course is held. Since 2004, CIES, in cooperation with FIFA, has developed an international academic network, offering a programme in sports management to students around the world.
The FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management is organised in collaboration with local partner universities in the countries where it is run.
And, thanks to an agreement between ZIFA, MSU and FIFA, the higher tertiary institution will stage the Zimbabwe edition of the CIES programme.
According to a brochure on the course, the FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management covers all sports and provides training in essential fields of sports management, in particular communication, law, marketing and sponsorship, management, finance, and event management.
“It consists of 150-200 hours of courses and is taught in the local language of the partner universities (French, English, Spanish, Polish, Arabic, Portuguese).
“This programme aims to familiarise students with the fundamental principles and methods of modern management, while adapting to economic, cultural and social requirements of each country.
“It provides students with theoretical and practical management tools to allow them to run their federation, association or club efficiently, considering the specificities and realities of their local environment.
“The programme also allows students to get some international exposure through various initiatives such as the CIES conferences delivered by foreign experts, the annual study visit for the LATAM universities, webinars with fellow graduates worldwide, FIFA World Cup gatherings, etc,’’ reads part of the brochure.
MSU vice chancellor Professor Victor Muzvidziwa in welcoming the partnership described the move as a landmark initiative.
“The Midlands State University is delighted to welcome prospective students to the MSU/ZIFA/FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management.
“This innovative one-year diploma is a landmark initiative that reflects our commitment to educational excellence, societal transformation and global engagement. Through our partnership with ZIFA, FIFA and CIES, MSU is positioning itself at the forefront of professional sports management education globally.
“Sport is now a significant social and economic driver, creating opportunities in leadership, entrepreneurship, administration and governance.
“This programme equips participants with the knowledge, skills and networks required to excel in an evolving sports industry, nationally, regionally and internationally,’’ Muzvidziwa said.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi is also naturally excited at having secured a deal that will build capacities of the game’s managers.
“This landmark partnership between ZIFA, Midlands State University, CIES and FIFA represents an important step in strengthening the foundations of football development in Zimbabwe and the region,’’ Magwizi said.
“Modern sport demands professional leadership, sound governance and innovative management. Through this programme, we are investing in the knowledge, skills and values that will empower a new generation of administrators, club leaders and sport entrepreneurs to shape the future of our game.
“ZIFA is committed to supporting initiatives that promote capacity building, integrity and excellence within football,’’ Magwizi said.
CIES director professor Dennis Oswald underscored the significance of the programme in an environment where football has become one of the fastest growing global industries.
“In today’s world, sport is confronted with a constantly increasing number of challenges, and a working environment that grows more complex with each passing day,’’ Oswald said.
“One can mention poor management of many sports-related entities, the ensuing lack of credibility, a demand for transparency from many partners, the gap between the richest sports organisations and those that have limited resources, responding to increasingly effective doping methods and the threat from illegal sports betting to the integrity of sports results.
“This non exhaustive list is followed by the challenges of obtaining support from commercial sponsors, the growing complexity related to the organisation of sports events, the migration of young athletes to rich countries, the legal frameworks which grow in size and sophistication day after day, the emergence of new technologies, the development of e-Sports, the consequences of the pandemic, the global financial uncertainty and the ongoing fight against the still too common threats from racism and nationalistic behaviour in stadiums and on local playing fields.
“For all of these reasons, sports managers must, more than ever before, be able to deal with complex situations involving many challenges.”
