Online Reporter
ON Friday, the Zimbabwe Football Association gathered for its first ordinary congress since our election into the Executive Committee in January last year.
It was a moment that brought together the leadership, other stakeholders and the broader football family to reflect on the journey so far.
As we transition from that important meeting into the days ahead, it is fitting to share a broader perspective on the work underway, the challenges we continue to face and the steady progress being made across the game.
What follows is the address I delivered to the 2026 ZIFA Congress capturing, in honest terms, the journey we have travelled, the progress we have recorded and the difficult moments that have tested us along the way.
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Delegates to the congress, representatives of FIFA, CAF and COSAFA, officials from the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Government officials present, Sports and Recreation Commission, our valued partners, ladies and gentlemen.
It is both an honour and a responsibility to stand before you today.
The past year has asked a great deal of all of us. It has come with expectation, scrutiny and at times, difficult but necessary questions.
But that is the nature of football. It belongs to the people, and because it belongs to the people, it must always answer to them.
We have listened carefully and honestly. And our commitment is simple: not to respond with promises, but with action.
When we assumed office in 2025, our priority was clear. We did not need grand declarations — we needed stability.
We needed to steady the foundation before we could begin to build.
I believe we have made meaningful progress in that regard. And while the work is far from complete, we are now in a stronger position to shift our focus from stabilisation to delivery.
As we take that next step, it is important that we remain grounded in who we are.
The launch of Warrior Pride last year was more than a branding exercise. It was a statement of intent. A decision to take ownership of our identity and begin shaping our own story as Zimbabwean football.
It speaks to something deeper — belonging, pride and connection.
This journey is still unfolding, and we will continue to refine it together. But its purpose remains clear: to give our players something to represent, our supporters something to believe in and our nation something to rally behind.
That sense of identity must also be reflected in how the game is growing on the ground.
We have taken deliberate steps to strengthen the women’s game. Following the launch of the Women’s Football Strategy, we are now firmly in the phase of implementation.
Structures are being put in place and over time, we expect to see stronger results.
Hosting the CAF GIFT programme here in Zimbabwe was an important milestone.
It brought together young talent from across the continent and reminded us of what is possible when opportunity meets preparation.
There is still a long journey ahead, but increased participation in competitions such as COSAFA and the Malawi Tri-Nations is helping to build consistency and confidence within the Mighty Warriors.
At senior level, our work with the Warriors has focused on clarity and cohesion.
We are building a team that reflects the full Zimbabwean story both at home and across the diaspora.
More than 30 percent of our match-day squad now consists of players developed outside our borders. This is not by chance. It is by design. Because wherever a Zimbabwean player is, they must know they are part of this national effort.
But for that future to be sustainable, development must remain at the centre of everything we do.
Through the BancABC Roots Impact programme, we are reaching thousands of young players across all provinces.
These are not just numbers. These are opportunities — pathways being created, talent being nurtured and a foundation being laid for the future of the game.
As we build from the grassroots, we are also rethinking the broader football ecosystem.
ZIFA must become more than a governing body. It must be a credible, trusted platform for partnerships and investment.
The Munhumutapa Cup is one such example. It is not simply a competition, but a bridge bringing communities closer to the game while introducing meaningful financial support.
At the same time, we are focusing on long-term infrastructure. We are working with the central and local Governments to secure land for modern facilities.
Through FIFA Forward, the construction of FIFA arenas at Chitsere and Mzilikazi Primary schools is underway.
These are important steps, and they signal the direction we are taking.
None of this is possible without strong institutions.
We continue to strengthen governance within ZIFA, guided by consistency, discipline and trust.
In this regard, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of our former general secretary Yvonne Manwa Mapika, whose experience helped guide the secretariat through a critical period.
I also wish to thank the acting general secretary, Norman Gwangwadza; and the head of commercial, Mark Ruck, for their continued commitment and diligence in strengthening the organisation.
Alongside governance, we are also modernising the game itself.
Refereeing standards are being improved through restructuring, training and the introduction of new technologies, including video assistant referee (VAR) testing and artificial intelligence (AI)-supported systems.
These are long-term investments designed to enhance fairness, transparency and professionalism.
Before I conclude, allow me to briefly address a matter that has drawn attention.
There have been discussions around offers of gifts made to me, including the widely mentioned vehicles.
I wish to state clearly that I have not accepted any personal gifts. While such gestures may reflect goodwill towards Zimbabwean football, my conduct is guided by the code of ethics that governs this office.
More importantly, our focus must remain on strengthening the institution rather than on individuals.
The trust placed in us is collective, and it must be protected through our actions.
As we look ahead, we remain realistic about the challenges before us.
Financial constraints remain. Infrastructure gaps remain. And the expectations of the game continue to grow. But progress is being made — steady, deliberate and purposeful.
Our priorities are clear. We must build a sustainable football economy, develop infrastructure and strengthen governance.
But this cannot be the responsibility of one office or one committee. It is a shared national effort.
I, therefore, call upon all stakeholders — provinces, clubs, administrators and partners — to continue working together in the best interests of Zimbabwean football.
Unity will be our strength. Collaboration will be our progress.
Allow me to close with sincere appreciation.
To the Government of Zimbabwe, led by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for the continued support. To FIFA and CAF for their partnership. To our sponsors and stakeholders. To our players, coaches, referees and administrators.
And to you, the members of congress, for your stewardship of the game.
We have taken important steps to restore stability. Now, we move forward — carefully but confidently — into a phase of delivery.
There is still much to be done. But together, united in purpose, we will continue to build, to improve and to move Zimbabwean football forward with integrity, unity and purpose.
I thank you.
Nqobile Magwizi is the president of ZIFA.
