Beach Soccer pins hopes on Magwizi

BEACH football in Zimbabwe, long relegated to the sidelines, is hoping for a resurgence under new leadership. Tapfuma Mandaza, chairman of Beach Soccer Zimbabwe (BSZ), believes the new Zifa executive, led by Nqobile Magwizi, will usher in a new era for the sport.

Mandaza expressed confidence in the new leadership.
“As an association, we have complete faith in them. They have all promised to improve the game and understand the crucial role of resources in making these pitches viable. With proper funding, we can level the playing field, install regulation-sized goals, create safer surfaces, and attract more players,” he said.

He went on to explain the challenges they face.
“We don’t have natural pitches, so we use river sand, which isn’t conducive for our players. We need to import proper sand to set up proper pitches. This is where the issue of resources comes in.”

Mandaza stressed the association’s commitment to transforming the sport.
“We are committed to promoting the sport and providing opportunities for players to develop their skills and compete at the highest level. We believe beach soccer has immense potential in Zimbabwe, and we are dedicated to making it prominent.”
He also stressed the importance of support from all stakeholders.

“It’s not just about players and coaches; we need the full support of local communities, sponsors, and government. Only with a united effort can we realise the sport’s full potential.

Our goal is a vibrant beach soccer community where players, coaches, and fans can thrive. We will work tirelessly to ensure the sport receives the attention it deserves. We are also committed to growing women’s beach soccer and will establish programmes to increase participation and provide opportunities for female players to shine.”

Beach Soccer Zimbabwe plans to use social media, partnerships, and events to raise the sport’s profile.
“Our goal is to make the sport appealing to a wider audience. We hope to establish training programmes for coaches, focusing on beach soccer-specific skills to enhance the overall quality of the game,” Mandaza said.

Beach football, a fast-paced and exhilarating sport played on sand, has seen immense global growth. Played barefoot, it emphasises skill, agility, and shooting. Each team has five players, including the goalkeeper, with unlimited substitutions from a pool of three to five players.

With a focus on grassroots development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced competition, the board is determined to raise beach soccer’s profile in Zimbabwe.