Story by Mthokozisi Dube
ZIMBABWE Football Association (ZIFA) says it will begin conducting spot checks to ensure Division One football clubs comply with club licensing requirements, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and professionalism in the domestic game.
The move was announced by ZIFA vice-president, Kennedy Ndebele, during an induction workshop for Southern Region Division One teams held in Bulawayo over the weekend.
Club licensing has become a focal point for the association following the recent dehomologation of Luveve Stadium, which previously hosted Premier Soccer League matches for Bulawayo Chiefs and Chicken Inn FC.
By 2026, however, the stadium had been deemed unsuitable to host top-flight fixtures after it was condemned by ZIFA’s First Instance Board, highlighting the growing emphasis on infrastructure standards under the licensing syste.m.
Speaking at the workshop, Ndebele said ZIFA was determined to enforce the regulations more strictly, beginning with lower-tier leagues.
“As ZIFA, we have said let’s start from the grassroots, and the clubs should take this seriously. We want to professionalise the game, and club licensing is a broad requirement. You have seen Luveve dehomologated. We have been in constant communication with the local authority to implement what was suggested by FIB. Over and above that, clubs should have offices specifically for football and a structure where there is a CEO tasked with everyday club operations. We are serious this time, clubs should present their audited financial statements, and in that way we are able to know they are capable of fulfilling their matches,” he said.
Officials in the region welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that clubs would implement the requirements ahead of the upcoming season.
“It is a great day for the southern region. We hope the clubs will put in action what they are expected seeing the workshop is coming when we are about to start our league. We are happy that we have secured sponsorship for this season as we move to grow the game in our region,” ZIFA Southern Region Chairperson, Chris Mtungwazi said.
Under ZIFA’s licensing framework, clubs are required to meet several administrative and infrastructure standards before they can compete in organised leagues. These include maintaining proper governance structures, submitting audited financial statements and securing access to suitable match venues.
The availability of compliant stadiums remains a challenge across Zimbabwean football. In the capital, several teams have been sharing Rufaro Stadium, while Sakubva Stadium has also been declared unsuitable for top-tier matches.
Football authorities say addressing infrastructure gaps will be essential to improving the professional standards of the sport in the country.
