Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA are keen to expedite the growth of the game in the country by creating strong bonds with some of Africa’s top football associations, such as Morocco, who have also been hosting a host of continental events.
The domestic football mother body’s president, Nqobile Magwizi, left for Casablanca yesterday morning and is expected to hold bilateral talks with the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa.
Morocco have awakened from a slumber and have transformed into a model football association in Africa.
Their national team — the Atlas Lions — have also re-emerged as a force in the continental game and will be one of the favourites at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which they will be hosting in December.
Morocco’s rapid growth has also been anchored on a sound football development strategy that has groomed star players like Paris Saint Germain right back Achraf Hakimi.
The other top players from Morocco include goalkeeper Yassine Bonou, former Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, and ex-Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech.
Three years ago, the Atlas Lions became the first African country to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup, surpassing the feats of the likes of Senegal and Ghana, who had only managed quarter-final appearances.
Thanks to their world-class facilities, Morocco will not only host the AFCON in December but will also stage the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations next year.
The Atlas Lions are currently rated the 14th best team in the FIFA world rankings and are Africa’s number one side.
It is against the North Africans impressive background that the ZIFA executive committee have dispatched their leader, Magwizi, to Casablanca to share notes with his Moroccan and borrow a leaf from how they have been going about their business.
Magwizi is on a transformative mission for ZIFA that will base its roots on junior development and a commercial approach to their administration of the national game.
That’s why ZIFA have identified Morocco as a strategic partner in their bid to revive Zimbabwean football.
In announcing Magwizi’s tour of duty to Morocco, ZIFA said in a statement that they were expecting a number of collaborations to emerge from the engagement.
“This engagement underscores ZIFA’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with leading football associations across the continent.
“Morocco has emerged as a key player in African football development, and this dialogue presents valuable opportunities for collaboration in areas such as technical development, infrastructure, and administration,” read part of the ZIFA statement.
After engaging the football authorities in Morocco, Magwizi will then proceed to Egypt for the Confederation of African Football extraordinary general meeting.
“Following his engagements in Morocco, Mr. Magwizi will proceed to Cairo, Egypt, where he will attend the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
“His participation in this important gathering reflects ZIFA’s dedication to contributing to the growth and governance of African football,” added ZIFA.
During his absence, one of Magwizi’s two deputies — Loveness Mukura — will serve as the association’s acting president.
