Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has invited landowners, property developers and other eligible entities to submit proposals for land to construct its head office and technical centre in Harare, as well as regional offices in Gweru and Masvingo.
Zifa, the national football governing body, has its headquarters in Harare, while Zifa Village is located in Mount Hampden, a few kilometres outside the capital.
In an advertisement published last week, the association invited expressions of interest from suitably qualified and legally authorised individuals and institutions capable of providing land for the proposed developments.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) invites written proposals submitted electronically from suitably qualified and legally authorised landowners, property developers, real estate companies, institutions, local authorities, trusts and other eligible entities for the provision of suitable land for the Zifa Head Office and Technical Centre in Harare, and regional Zifa football facilities in
Masvingo and Gweru,” said the association.
“Proponents are invited to clearly set out the terms, conditions and benefits of the option,” added Zifa.
The proposed developments form part of the association’s long-term plans to strengthen football infrastructure and support the sport’s development, while serving the wider public interest.
“Zifa is a non-profit organisation. The proposed infrastructure is aimed at supporting the long-term development of football and serving the wider public interest in Zimbabwe, for the benefit of Zimbabweans and Zimbabwe as a whole.
“Zifa therefore welcomes proposals that recognise the project’s national and community value, including philanthropy, social investment or partnership-based contributions,” said the association.
Zifa requires a minimum of one hectare of land at each location, with valid title deeds, and the proposed sites must be within 30km of the central business districts of Harare, Gweru and Masvingo.
The association has outlined four possible arrangements for securing the land, giving prospective partners the flexibility to propose commercial or non-commercial terms.
Under Option A, landowners can offer the property for outright purchase at a stated price per square metre, inclusive of applicable taxes.
Option B provides for the donation of land without a purchase price. Proposals under this arrangement must specify any conditions or restrictions attached to the donation and clarify responsibility for transfer costs, legal fees and taxes.
Option C allows for a hybrid arrangement combining a donation and a sale. This could involve donating part of the land and selling the remainder, or contributing towards the overall land value while offering the balance at an agreed commercial price.
The fourth option provides for a commercial partnership through a long-term lease of at least 25 years, allowing Zifa to secure access to the land without necessarily purchasing it outright.
