ZIFA Launches New Development Agenda to Rebuild Zimbabwean Football

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has unveiled a comprehensive development agenda aimed at rebuilding the nation’s football foundations. The program, announced on September 22, is led by ZIFA’s Head of Technical, Dominique Nyonzima, and focuses on improving coaching, increasing player participation, and strengthening youth structures across Zimbabwe.

ZIFA reaffirmed its commitment to long-term growth, emphasizing that the Technical Director will play a central role in leading the national development program. Nyonzima’s mandate includes enhancing coach education, introducing structured youth programs, and expanding access to football for young players across the country.

The association candidly addressed longstanding challenges that have hindered Zimbabwean football. ZIFA acknowledged the historical absence of a formal long-term development plan, limited resources, and the lack of structured systems for youth leagues, scouting, coach education, and sports science.

To tackle these issues, ZIFA has introduced new coaching courses and extended its technical development plan to all provinces. These initiatives aim to create a consistent framework for player and coach development nationwide.

The agenda also includes the launch of provincial youth competitions starting in January. ZIFA plans to partner with schools and football academies to identify and nurture young talent, ensuring a pipeline of skilled players for both club and national teams.

With these steps, ZIFA intends to create a sustainable football ecosystem that prioritizes professional coaching, structured youth development, and wider participation. The program reflects a clear strategy to strengthen Zimbabwe’s football from the grassroots level, with the goal of producing competitive players and elevating the national standard of the sport.