Story by Mthokozisi Dube
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is charting a new path aimed at strengthening the country’s football ecosystem through the capacitation of both technical and administrative stakeholders.
the last line of defence, goalkeeping was the first focal point, as ZIFA launched a goalkeeper coaches licensing programme to enhance skills and professionalism in specialised coaching roles.
ZIFA technical committee vice-chairperson, Nhlanhla Dube, who oversaw the initiative, said the association has several other programmes in the pipeline that target the administrative side of the game.
“The thinking behind the current initiatives is to ensure structured programmes are in place at technical level, which will eventually cascade to coaching and administration,” Dube said.
“I am confident the ZIFA Executive Committee will articulate these strategies further under the chairperson’s vision. Football development must also include sound governance, and as such, capacitation of administrators is a critical pillar,” he added.
Staff development has emerged as a key priority under the leadership of ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi, as the national association works to re-establish a development-oriented structure following a period of limited grassroots training and coaching activity.
ZIFA has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Midlands State University (MSU) to facilitate the training and professional development of football administrators across the country.
