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The Zimbabwe Football Forum (ZFF) has forged a strategic alliance with the esteemed Spanish football league LaLiga. The main stage is set for a significant event on November 3 in Harare.
The symposium, themed “Enhancing regional cooperation and structural integration in football,” will be the focal point of discussions. The ZFF, a dynamic multi-stakeholder think-tank dedicated to enhancing football in the country, shared the news last week.
“This is the time to unlock business opportunities in our football Industry, discuss key issues and explore synergies amongst all stakeholders,” said Gerald Sibanda, the ZFF advisory board chairman.
A new hope for football
Football was introduced to Zimbabwe in the late 19th century by British settlers and miners. The earliest recorded match took place in 1894 in Bulawayo between teams representing the British South Africa Company and the Pioneer Column.
After independence in 1980, the country was renamed Zimbabwe, and the football association became the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA). Football grew rapidly in popularity and participation among the black population. The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League was established as the top league. Major teams have included Dynamos FC, Highlanders, CAPS United and Black Rhinos. But the football journey in the country was not always smooth.
Zimbabwe faced an 18-month-long suspension by FIFA in 2022 due to government interference, forbidding the national team to play in the 2023 African Cup of Nations preliminaries. Luckily, they were permitted to participate in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup when the ban was lifted in July this year.
The recent partnership with LaLiga, which has already established a successful presence in Zimbabwe through the Real Betis Academy, is seen as a game-changer.
“The Partnership with LaLiga coincides with a critical juncture within our football industry post readmission into the global fora after 18 months of suspension which provides an opportunity to educate and re-educate ourselves for the modern partnerships and collaborations,” said Zimbabwe Football Summit founder Tinashe Terrence Malunga.
The passion for the sport provides a natural entry point into betting. Placing wagers makes matches even more exciting and offers devoted fans a way to financially benefit from their knowledge. Many bettors see it as an opportunity to back their favourite teams.
Sports betting craze
Football betting in Zimbabwe is prevalent. According to a 2022 study by the Zimbabwe Gambling Authority, 72% of Zimbabwean adults have participated in gambling over the past year. Of these gamblers, 56% placed bets on football, making it the most popular betting activity in the country.
Overseen by the Lotteries and Gambling Board, Zimbabwe has seen a significant expansion of gambling establishments, particularly in urban areas, led by Harare. The Lotteries and Gaming Act, in effect since 2000, regulates this industry.
Traditional bookmakers and betting shops have given way to online and mobile sports betting, making it convenient for people to wager anytime and anywhere. Sports betting companies have targeted Zimbabweans with tailored mobile apps, websites, and promotions.
Zimbabwe has enthusiastically embraced mobile sports betting. The fact that the country has very high mobile phone penetration rates, with around 91% of adults owning a cell phone or smartphone, contributes to this massive surge.
On average, Zimbabwean gamblers spend around ZWL 20 per month on their gambling activities. Yet, some individuals spend more than this average, with reports that show certain people are spending hundreds of dollars per month on their gambling activities.
Mobile money systems like Ecocash have facilitated remote betting transactions. Through these services, bettors can seamlessly transact and manage their betting accounts from their phones.
Responsible gambling
While the football betting craze has brought excitement and new engagement with the sport for many Zimbabweans, it has also stirred significant controversy. Critics and social commentators have expressed concern about the potential for addiction and families falling into financial ruin due to excessive gambling losses.
Some segments of Zimbabwean society still view betting as an immoral vice linked to laziness, crime and social problems. High-profile match-fixing scandals have also increased public skepticism about the impact of rampant betting on the integrity of football itself.
As football betting gains popularity, there are calls for increased oversight and stricter regulations, including measures such as mandatory age verification, responsible gambling campaigns, and utilizing betting tax revenue, as suggested by experts like Dr. David Mhambare from the University of Zimbabwe.
Potential reforms could include updating age verification rules, such as requiring bettors to submit IDs to verify they are over 18. Improved IT systems could also identify and intervene with potential problem gamblers. Public health campaigns could also be launched to encourage responsible gambling habits and provide help resources.
Online Reporter