Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has unveiled a comprehensive women’s football strategy designed to increase participation, enhance grassroots development, and raise the visibility and commercial viability of women’s football across the country.
The strategy is anchored on several key pillars, including expanding participation, strengthening the image of women’s football, promoting excellence, establishing clear structures, and building a solid foundation for long-term growth.
ZIFA vice president Loveness Mukura emphasises the importance of creating a clear pathway for young girls to participate in football, from under-8 to the under-20s, and developing their skills to become professional players.
“The launch of Zimbabwe’s women’s football strategy is a historic moment, and it’s thrilling to see the excitement and anticipation surrounding it. The strategy’s focus on creating a clear pathway for young girls, from under-8s to under-20s, is fantastic, as it will provide opportunities for them to participate in football and pursue it as a career,” she said.
The strategy also prioritises holistic team development, investing in qualified technical staff, enhancing coaching education to CAF and FIFA standards, and implementing structured performance programmes.
Additionally, ZIFA is rebuilding the youth football ecosystem through structured academy licensing, enhanced grassroots programmes, and stronger school football pathways.
The Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL) is also taking steps to enhance visibility and secure commercial partnerships, with the appointment of a five-member Ad hoc Committee on Marketing and Sponsorship.
The committee will drive marketing and sponsorship efforts, attracting sponsors to support the growth of women’s football across Zimbabwe.
