Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has been elected to the COSAFA Executive Committee during the regional body’s Elective Annual General Meeting held in Harare this Sunday, marking another milestone in Zimbabwe’s football revival.
Regional football leaders praised Zimbabwe’s renewed commitment to developing the sport, with Magwizi’s appointment seen as a significant boost to the country’s re-engagement efforts within Southern African football structures.
The elections, held in Harare, also ushered in Botswana football administrator Tariq Babitseng as the new COSAFA president following his unopposed election.
Babitseng used his acceptance speech to commend the Zimbabwean government for its commitment towards football development, saying the progress being made in the country was now impossible to ignore.
“I must commend President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for his support of football. He has not just talked but walked the walk. Look at the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, a bottom-up and richest tournament in the region, it shows how Zimbabwean football is growing with continued support,” new COSAFA president Tariq Babitseng said.
Magwizi’s election comes barely a year after taking over at ZIFA, during a period in which Zimbabwe has intensified efforts to restore its football credibility on the continental stage.
From hosting regional and continental tournaments to attracting growing crowds at local matches, Zimbabwe has slowly begun rebuilding confidence within African football structures.
“For Zimbabwean football, this occasion carries great meaning. It is another important step in our journey of re-engagement, rebuilding, and restoration. It reflects the growing confidence that the regional and continental football family continues to place in Zimbabwe, and it encourages us to continue working with discipline, unity, and purpose,” ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe also praised Zimbabwe’s progress, highlighting the improving atmosphere around the domestic game and the country’s ability to host major tournaments.
“Zimbabwe is developing, the stadiums are packed, and it is hosting regional and continental tournaments,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sport Minister Anselem Sanyatwe reaffirmed Government’s commitment to upgrading facilities and supporting football development.
“Government will continue to support football. We need to make sure that we have elite athletes and those athletes are developed at elite facilities, and it is Government’s plan to continue developing our facilities to exceptional standards,” he said.
The newly elected COSAFA leadership will serve for the next four years as the region looks to strengthen football development and competitiveness.
