Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) wants to create strong bonds with prospering African countries like Morocco, who are emerging as a key player in the development of football on the continent.
Zifa President, Nqobile Magwizi, left for Morocco 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 one of the football powerhouses on the continent.
Their rise has been anchored on a sound football development strategy that has groomed star players like Paris Saint Germain rightback, Achraf Hakimi.
The other top players from Morocco include goalkeeper Yassine Bonou, former Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and ex-Chelsea star, Hakim Ziyech.
Morocco became the first African country to reach the World Cup semis in 2022.
Thanks to their world class facilities, Morocco will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in December.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals will also be held in the North African country.
At number 14 on the Fifa rankings, Morocco are the best ranked African team on the global ratings.
That’s why Zifa have identified Morocco as a strategic partner in their bid to revive Zimbabwean football.
When the new Zifa board came to power on January 25, Magwizi immediately emphasised the new thrust of transforming Zimbabwean football. One of the key aspects is junior football development and Morocco are one of the leading lights in that regard.
“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,” wrote Zifa.
After engaging football authorities in Morocco, Magwizi will fly into Egypt for the Caf Extra-ordinary General Meeting.
“His participation in this important gathering reflects Zifa’s dedication to contributing to the growth and governance of African football,” added Zifa.
Vice president, Loveness Mukura, will serve as the acting president of the association.
This will be the first time in the history of Zimbabwe football that a woman is president of Zifa.
