Nakamba Applauds ZIFA’s New Direction

WARRIORS captain Marvelous Nakamba says Zimbabwe’s senior team is benefiting from a more organised and focused ZIFA leadership, praising president Nqobile Magwizi for pushing through key international friendlies that have lifted morale in the camp.

Zimbabwe faced Algeria in Saudi Arabia where they lost 3-1, then bounced back with a 2-1 win over Qatar in Doha. These fixtures form part of the Warriors’ preparations for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Magwizi led board has been credited with bringing a renewed sense of professionalism and purpose to the association. The administration, elected in January, took over a fractured federation from the Lincoln Mutasa chaired Normalisation Committee.

Despite taking charge of a system still carrying deep structural problems, the new executive is slowly putting together a framework meant to restore belief in the national game across both men’s and women’s football.

A big part of that recovery is the deliberate push to secure quality international matches for the Warriors. Nakamba highlighted how meaningful these games have been for the squad.

“The recent strides by the ZIFA president to arrange high level matches for the Warriors have been crucial,” stated Nakamba.

“There is a new, tangible sense of professionalism that is vital for our development and success on the international stage, as players we hope it continues like that.

“The leadership also engages us when it is necessary and it’s important for the players to know that they are also prioritised.”