CHENGETAI NYAMUSHONYONGORA*
HARARE – For years, Zimbabwean football has felt stuck in a cycle of crisis. Match-fixing scandals, unpaid wages, chaotic national team preparations, and boardroom drama became the norm. When FIFA finally stepped in and suspended Zimbabwe in 2022, few were surprised. The game had hit rock bottom—and fans knew it.
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| Nqobile Magwizi |
The FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee did its job quietly but firmly. They brought some order back to the Association and laid the foundation for a fresh start. But stability was only ever meant to be temporary. What the game needed next was leadership—the kind that could rebuild trust and push the sport forward.
That’s where Nqobile Magwizi came in.
Elected in January 2025 with a convincing 66 out of 77 votes, Magwizi’s arrival felt like a turning point. Not a dramatic revolution, but a sign that the football community wanted something, or someone, different.
Who is Nqobile Magwizi?
Nqobile Magwizi, born on 22 January 1979, is a respected businessman and sports leader in Zimbabwe with a diverse portfolio spanning across Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. With an impressive academic background, Magwizi holds an MPhil in Development Finance from the University of Stellenbosch, an MSc in International Banking and Finance from the University of Salford, and several other qualifications in property development, marketing management, and financial inclusion. His business acumen is complemented by his deep involvement in Zimbabwean sports, particularly in football.
Magwizi has had a significant impact on local football through his sponsorship initiatives, particularly with Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC, where he negotiated multi-million-dollar sponsorship deals that have bolstered these clubs’ financial and developmental prospects. He has also played a pivotal role in organizing the Hellenic Junior Football Tournament, fostering youth development in the sport, and contributed to the governance of Banket Football Club.
In addition to his role in club football, Magwizi’s leadership extends to national sports governance. He is currently a member of the SRC Board Committee, where he influences the strategic direction of Zimbabwean sports at the highest level. His career also includes contributions to stadium development, such as leading the National Sports Stadium bucket seat installation project and overseeing the planning of the Rufa Stadium refurbishment.
It’s still early days, but the first 100 days of his presidency offer clues. Is ZIFA finally turning a corner? Or is this just another false dawn? Here is what Magwizi has been up to since his election in January.
February 2025 – Laying the Foundations
Nationwide Stakeholder Engagement Tour
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi and the Executive Committee launched a four-region stakeholder engagement series across Harare, Gweru, Bulawayo, and Masvingo. These consultations aimed to align regional football priorities with ZIFA’s new strategic vision. A clear commitment to inclusion, consultation, and regional empowerment was established.
FIFA Induction Programme for Executive Committee
From 25–27 February, the new ZIFA Executive underwent a FIFA-led induction programme, facilitated by David Fani and Stewart Regan. The initiative reinforced good governance, transparency, and international best practices for football administration.
Zambia Women’s Football Gala
President Magwizi attended the Women’s Football Celebration Gala in Lusaka, Zambia, hosted by FAZ President Andrew Kamanga. As a guest of honour and award presenter, he reaffirmed ZIFA’s commitment to advancing women’s football across the continent.
March 2025 – Building Momentum
Successful 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Zimbabwe’s Warriors successfully competed in qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin, with a home match hosted in South Africa. This demonstrated resilience and adaptability under the new administration.
4May International Partnership
A three-year partnership was announced with 4May International as the Official Formal Wear Partner of the Warriors. The deal, effective from 1 March 2025, reflects the Magwizi administration’s focus on professionalism and brand elevation.
Engagement with Harare City Council
ZIFA held a strategic meeting with the Mayor of Harare to explore collaborative opportunities in football infrastructure and development within the capital.
Information Exchange Visit to SAFA
A ZIFA delegation visited the South African Football Association for a two-day exchange focused on governance, IT, HR, commercialisation, and competitions. The visit was part of a broader institutional reform and benchmarking exercise.
Landmark ZIFA-FRMF Partnership
A bilateral cooperation agreement was signed with the Moroccan FA (FRMF). Key focus areas include youth development, women’s football, coaching exchanges, and friendly matches across all age groups. Morocco will host Zimbabwean delegations and vice versa.
ZIFA x GoWarriorsFans Partnership
A fan engagement partnership with GoWarriorsFans was launched to offer official travel packages, exclusive experiences, and national team merchandise.
Kyros Sports & PD House MOU
A dual partnership was sealed: Kyros Sports will focus on youth football talent pathways in schools, while PD House will overhaul the ZIFA website to global standards. These moves aim to digitise and modernise ZIFA’s presence and operations.
AWCON 2026 Qualifiers – Mighty Warriors Campaign
Zimbabwe’s women’s national team exited the AWCON qualifiers after matches against Angola and Kenya. The early exit highlights ongoing gaps in the women’s football ecosystem, an area acknowledged for future investment.
April 2025 – Engagement and Innovation
Roots & Dreams Diaspora Tour – London & Birmingham
ZIFA President Magwizi, Coach Michael Nees, and Warriors Captain Marvelous Nakamba led diaspora engagement sessions in London and Birmingham under the banner “Roots & Dreams – A Conversation with ZIFA.” These sessions emphasised inclusion, vision-sharing, and collaboration with the Zimbabwean diaspora. Key takeaways included community-driven ideas, national pride, and strategies for diaspora involvement in football development.
Courtesy Call to Zimbabwean Ambassador in the UK
While in London, the ZIFA leadership paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Col (Rtd) Christian Katsande. The discussions focused on football diplomacy, promoting Zimbabwe’s image through sport, and reinforcing diaspora cooperation.
ZIFA Brand Design Battle Launched
ZIFA introduced a nationwide brand design competition for the Warriors’ kits and a new ZIFA logo. The initiative invited local creatives to shape national identity through design. A distinguished panel of experts—spanning branding, fashion, communications, and football—was assembled to adjudicate the competition, reflecting the Association’s commitment to innovation, market engagement, and visual storytelling.
May 2025 – Elevation and Expansion
U17 Girls Prepare for COSAFA Championship
The Zimbabwe U17 Girls national team began preparations for the 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship, scheduled to take place in Namibia from 10–16 May. The tournament presents a critical developmental milestone for Zimbabwean women’s football.
Strategic Engagement with FC Bayern München
President Magwizi and Warriors Coach Michael Nees met with Markus Brunnschneider at the FC Bayern Campus in Germany. Discussions focused on technical cooperation, talent development, and knowledge-sharing. This potential partnership with one of Europe’s elite clubs signals ZIFA’s ambition to internationalise Zimbabwean football standards.
U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier Squad Announced
The U20 Women’s team squad for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers was announced. Zimbabwe will face Rwanda in a two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled in Kigali. Preparations reflect a renewed emphasis on women’s football competitiveness.
ZIFA D-Licence Goalkeeper Coaching Course
In a landmark step towards capacity building, ZIFA introduced a FIFA-endorsed Goalkeeper Coaching Course in Harare and Bulawayo. The course is led by a UEFA-accredited German specialist and covers advanced techniques, performance analysis, and player development best practices.
New Executive Appointments – Finance and Commercial
Two key appointments were made to bolster ZIFA’s administrative and commercial competencies:
Norman Gwangwadza was appointed Head of Finance and Administration/Financial Controller, bringing 20+ years of financial leadership across sectors.
Mark Ruck joined as Commercial Manager, with extensive experience in operational strategy, logistics, and business transformation.
These appointments are designed to drive financial accountability, transparency, and revenue growth.
Hope for the future
Conclusively, the first 100 days of Nqobile Magwizi’s tenure as ZIFA President have offered something Zimbabwean football hasn’t seen in a long time—visible movement, professional intent, and a genuine attempt to re-engage the public, the diaspora, and the game’s key stakeholders. From grassroots development and branding innovation to international partnerships and governance reform, the early signs are encouraging.
Of course, no administration is perfect—and there are still areas where Magwizi and his team must prove themselves. Whether it’s improving communication around domestic leagues, deepening support for women’s football, or ensuring financial transparency, much work remains.
*This article was first published on The Soak Bench.
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