Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE days of merely holding onto hope for sustainable international football success could be over after ZIFA’s development pathway received the corporate backing which the junior game had been longing for decades.
This comes as financial institution BancABC yesterday unveiled a cool US$200 000 sponsorship for junior football for both boys and girls in the country.
Aptly dubbed the Roots Impact Programme, it will cater for Under-14 and Under-16 boys and girls football across the provinces and area zones.
The deal was unveiled at a function in Harare yesterday as the bank which has previously sponsored the BancABC Super8 Cup and Premier Soccer League giants Dynamos and Highlanders, announced a huge comeback into the football landscape.
And they will bankroll a first-of-its-kind BancABC Roots Impact Program which will see teenagers from all over the country participating in the junior league which rolls into motion immediately with talent identification camps at various levels after zonal and provincial chairpersons from across the country received administration funds between US$2 000 and US$5 000 from the sponsors yesterday.
ZIFA had birthed the idea when they came into office last year before setting out to look for a corporate partner to oil the programme.
And BancABC revealed through chief executive Tawanda Munaiwa yesterday that after noting the stability and the professionalism being instilled at ZIFA, they had agreed without hesitation to go into bed with the association.
Munaiwa also announced his bank’s commitment to a long-term partnership for the growth of football.
Given that the age groups are predominantly of school going category, the MoU signed between ZIFA and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education last year espousing an all-round football year for schools comes into effect.
For logistical ease, the league games will be played at five different hubs with each team expected to play a minimum of 18 games.
The best players from the league will be selected and face off against a pool of diaspora players with the best forming the basis of the national junior team players.
Government witnessed yesterday partnership unveiling and gave its thumbs up for the initiative.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya, in a speech read on her behalf by Biggie Samwanda (Acting chief director of Sport in the Ministry) said: “This speaks not only to the immediate future of football in Zimbabwe but, more significantly, to the future of our children and the enduring strength of our nation.
“When we discuss national development, our focus often drifts to what is visible, immediate, and tangible. Yet, the most enduring progress is that which is deliberate, patiently cultivated, and firmly rooted in the grassroots,’’ Jesaya said.
“This philosophy is precisely why today’s launch of the BancABC Roots Impact Junior Leagues is so significant and timely.
“Let me begin by commending the leadership of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), under the steadfast stewardship of president Nobile Magwizi and his Executive Committee for such a noble initiative.
“As the Government we fully support what we are witnessing here today which is not mere rhetoric but demonstrable reform. It is not vague intention, but concrete implementation.
“There is a clear and decisive shift towards embedding robust systems, structure, and long-term planning, particularly at the foundational grassroots level, where the true future of the game resides.
“As the Government, we unequivocally welcome this strategic approach. We support it. And we actively encourage its continuation.”
Munaiwa said his institution decided to come back to football due to the trust they now have in ZIFA.
“The current ZIFA board led by Nqobile Magwizi has demonstrated their professionalism and we are very comfortable working with them,” said Munaiwa.
“We are excited and honoured to partner with ZIFA in the promotion of grassroots football through the BancABC Roots Impact Junior League.
“We have been friends and supporters of Zimbabwean football for a long time. Over the years, we have proudly supported Highlanders Football Club, Dynamos Football Club, and others as well as sponsored the Super 8 Tournament – a competition that was hugely popular and widely regarded as a success.
“As a financial institution, we understand that growth is not measured only in balance sheets and profitability, but also in the strength, resilience, and prosperity of the communities we serve.
“Grassroots football is where dreams are first sparked, where raw talent is discovered, and where future national icons begin their journey.
“Our collaboration with the Zimbabwe Football Association through this grassroots football sponsorship is a deliberate and strategic investment in the future of our nation.
“We want to see the Warriors and the Mighty Warriors lift the AFCON trophy and consistently qualify for the World Cup. That journey does not start on the international stage — it starts here, with strong, well-supported grassroots football. And for that reason, BancABC is committed to continuing this sponsorship for the long term – in fact, until we lift AFCON silverware or qualify for the World Cup.
“Our commitment, however, goes beyond football alone. As a financial group, we are equally passionate about financial inclusion and financial literacy. Through this partnership, we also seek to impart financial literacy to the youngsters.”
Magwizi was all praises for BancABC.
“Today, through the launch of the BancABC Roots Impact Programme, we are making a clear statement in Zimbabwe.
“We are saying that our future success will no longer be left to chance. It will be planned, it will be structured, and it will be sustained.
“And I’m saying this because I know the people that are going to sustain it are sitting right here. Our champions from the area zones, our champions from the provinces, they are going to sustain this. We are thankful to BancABC,” Magwizi said.
Magwizi added successful national teams attribute their achievements to strong development structures.
“The true measure of a football nation is not found only under floodlights and in packed stadiums. It is found on dusty school fields, community grounds and training pitches, where dreams are first formed and foundations are laid. That is where lasting football nations are built’’.
Peter Tanyanyiwa