Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE new Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) board, led by Nqobile Magwizi, is receiving glowing endorsements from key national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Sports and Parliament, for its efforts to revitalise the country’s football administration.
For years, local football administration has been shackled by pervasive allegations of mismanagement, corruption and poor corporate governance.
Under Magwizi’s leadership, however, there is a growing consensus of improvement. His board — which includes Kennedy Ndebele, Loveness Mukura, Brighton Ushendibaba, Tafadzwa Benza, Alice Zeure, Kudzai Kadzombe, Davison Muchena, Thomas Marambanyika, Chido Chizondo and Isaiah Mupfurutsa — marks its first anniversary next month.
Speaking at the Warriors’ send-off dinner in Harare ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals, Sports minister Anselem Sanyatwe commended Magwizi’s efforts, noting a “renewed focus, improved governance, and efforts to rebuild trust and credibility within football structures.”
Sanyatwe highlighted the importance of collaboration between Zifa, his Ministry, and the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), saying, “Together, these institutions are laying the foundation for a more sustainable and competitive football system. This progress must continue and accelerate.”
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture chairperson Farai Jere hailed the Magwizi-led Zifa board, calling it “a breath of fresh air” in football administration.
Jere, a former Zifa board member removed due to governance concerns, said, “This Zifa board is doing well. Social media criticism often misplaces blame for matters beyond Zifa’s control. We work closely with the Ministry to prevent problems before they arise.”
Both Sanyatwe and Jere used the occasion to issue a rallying cry to business leaders, captains of industries, corporates and wealthy individuals to partner with Zifa and provide financial support for the Warriors’ Afcon campaign in Morocco.
“The success of the Warriors is not a responsibility for players and coaches alone,” Sanyatwe said.
“Football excellence requires investment, planning and resources. Talent alone cannot carry a nation to victory.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has already contributed US$400 000 from his personal funds for player welfare, although the total government support from the national budget remains undisclosed.
Sanyatwe said the funds, coming from the President’s personal coffers , are earmarked for the welfare of the players.
However, he did not disclose the quantum of financial support the government is putting towards the team’s participation through the national budget.
Zimbabwe is heading to Morocco with an ambitious goal of progressing to the knockout stages of the Afcon tournament for the first time in the country’s history.
The Warriors face a daunting task in a tough group that has football heavyweights Egypt, regional rivals South Africa and Angola.
The tournament will run from December 21 until January 18, 2026.
Zimbabwe kick off its campaign against Egypt on December 22.
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