Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere,Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has thrown his weight behind newly appointed technical director Dominique Niyonzima, tasking him with bringing Zimbabwe’s grassroots football back to life.
The 62-year-old Burundian, who took over from Jethro Hunidzarira in August, is expected to spearhead coaching development and restore order to a system wrecked by years of neglect and scandal.
“We now have our new head of technical at Zifa,” said Magwizi. “His job is to revitalise all our grassroots programmes and ensure Zimbabwe returns to the world football map.”
Zimbabwe’s technical structures had collapsed after Caf suspended coaching courses amid reports of coaching badges being handed out without merit. Progress came to a standstill, leaving local football in limbo.
Niyonzima, a former Fifa regional consultant and ex-Caf deputy technical director, isn’t new to Zimbabwe. Eleven years ago, he led the country’s first Caf A Licence course and left a lasting impression on many local coaches.
His one-year term is set to begin once his work permit is finalised. Coaches who’ve worked with him believe he’s the right man to rebuild a broken system and lay the foundation for future success.
