Online Reporter
Inside ZIFA
Nqobile Magwizi
THERE are moments in football when the scoreline is only part of the story — when the real victory lies in the unity, resolve and national purpose behind the team.
As the Warriors depart for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, I am reminded once again that football is at its strongest when the entire country stands behind it.
When the Government, institutions, private partners and the millions of supporters who love this game with unshakeable devotion come together, the game changes.
This AFCON is special for many reasons.
It is my first as president of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
It comes at a time when the game is rebuilding itself, renewing trust and laying the foundation for long-term success.
It also arrives at a moment when the Government has stepped forward in a significant way to signal that football matters as a symbol of national pride, a vehicle for development and a source of livelihood and entertainment.
In the evening of the Warriors’ send-off dinner, the atmosphere was charged with optimism.
The Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant-General (Retired) Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe, delivered remarks that captured the national mood with force and clarity.
In his trademark forthright style, he reminded the team, and all of us, that wearing the national colours comes with expectation.
Zimbabweans everywhere want to see their team compete with courage, discipline and belief.
Then came a moment that truly underscored the depth of the Government’s support.
The minister announced that President Mnangagwa had extended US$400 000 from his own office funds to support the Warriors’ AFCON campaign.
This gesture is a clear endorsement that the nation’s leadership stands firmly behind the team and the rebuilding of Zimbabwean football.
As ZIFA, we are deeply grateful.
Such commitments are not taken lightly.
They speak to a growing partnership in which football is seen as part of the national development agenda, not an isolated pursuit.
This tournament also marks the Warriors competitive debut of our new head coach, Marian Marinică, who has taken charge with professionalism and a clear tactical vision. His AFCON experience will stand us in good stead.
The Warriors have benefited from an extended training camp ahead of the tournament. Our responsibility as ZIFA has been to ensure that camp conditions are stable, predictable and conducive to high performance.
No distractions. No disruptions. Only football.
ZIFA vice president Kennedy Ndebele captured this moment well during his remarks at the dinner.
He reminded guests that, in the past, ZIFA was often summoned to explain itself.
Today, we voluntarily come forward to discuss development, planning and progress.
That shift reflects the new culture we are cultivating, a culture grounded in stewardship, accountability and service to the game. Another milestone awaits the Warriors in Morocco: the debut of our home-grown kit.
For the first time, Zimbabwe will compete at a major tournament wearing a strip conceptualised and designed locally, by Zimbabweans.
This is a declaration of intent.
Our vision as ZIFA is to build capacity within Zimbabwe’s creative and manufacturing sectors.
Football must not only inspire dreams; it must also support industries.
The kit project is part of a broader strategy to empower local designers, textile companies and technical producers.
Over time, we want Zimbabwean talent to supply not only our national teams, but to compete regionally and globally.
The example of Malian boxer Malamine Koné, who founded the sporting apparel company Airness, which went on to partner with the Mali national team and several clubs in Africa and in Europe, is instructive.
Wearing this kit is a reminder to our boys that they carry Zimbabwean craftsmanship on their backs.
It is a reminder to our people that football can be a driver of innovation and economic opportunity.
And it is a reminder to all of us that the solutions we seek are already in our own hands.
I have seen and read many comments, and I can assure football stakeholders that we will take each one seriously and use it as valuable learning for future actions.
The Government’s coming on board is not unusual. Around the world, football depends on strategic government support.
In England, the National Lottery — through its long-running partnership with the Football Association (FA) — has channelled hundreds of millions of pounds into grassroots development, high-performance systems and national teams.
Across Europe and South America, governments incentivise private investment in football infrastructure through tax breaks, grants and public-private partnerships.
Zimbabwe is aligning with these global best practices.
The 2026 National Budget introduced incentives for those who invest in sports facilities, which is a key step towards creating a sustainable football economy.
The President’s direct support to the AFCON campaign sits within this broader national framework: a belief that football can unite, uplift and project Zimbabwe’s identity to the world.
It has not all been about the Warriors. As the senior men prepare for AFCON, our junior teams are writing their own promising stories.
At the recent COSAFA Under-15 Championships in South Africa, both our boys’ and girls’ teams finished in a commendable fourth place in their respective categories.
The performances were spirited, disciplined and full of potential.
Our girls’ team produced two players — Makanaka Zizipa and Dee Winnie Mapuwa — selected into the Tournament XI, while the boys contributed one player — Blessing Kaeta — to the all-star lineup.
For us, this is a signal that the future is bright.
When governments invest in sport, when federations create stability and when development pathways are strengthened, these are the kinds of outcomes we see.
The success of these young players is the strongest argument yet for why Zimbabwe must continue to invest in football from the ground up.
Back to AFCON.
The Warriors play their first AFCON match, against Egypt, on December 22, our national Unity Day.
The symbolism is powerful.
On a day dedicated to harmony, reconciliation and shared identity, our national team will step onto the continental stage carrying the hopes of millions.
For us, unity is beyond a calendar event.
It is a way of life.
It is what happens when the Government, ZIFA, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), clubs, players, supporters and partners walk in the same direction.
This AFCON gives us a chance to show what united football can look like — disciplined preparation, shared responsibility and common purpose.
As we embark on this AFCON journey, I want to say this clearly: ZIFA is committed to matching the passion of our fans and the effort of our players with professionalism, accountability and a dedication to creating safe, sustainable spaces for football to grow.
The Government has stood with us.
The minister has championed us.
The President has supported us.
Our young teams are rising.
Our senior team is ready.
Now, as the Warriors take the field in Morocco, the nation takes the field with them.
Go Warriors! The country is behind you — today, on Unity Day and always.
Nqobile Magwizi is the president of ZIFA.
