Zifa board must hit the ground running

THE Protracted Zifa elections have finally come to an end, and Nqobile Magwizi has emerged victorious, winning the presidency with a resounding victory.

As the dust settles, it’s time for Zimbabwean football to shift its focus from politics to progress. The new Zifa board, led by Magwizi, must hit the ground running and work tirelessly to restore the country’s football reputation.

The journey ahead won’t be easy, but with a united front, Zifa can overcome the challenges that have plagued the organisation for years.

The Normalisation Committee, led by Lincoln Mutasa, has laid a solid foundation for the new executive to build upon. The committee’s efforts have already started to bear fruit, with the Warriors qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations and enjoying a period of stability.

However, the real test begins now. Magwizi and his team must prioritise football development, from the grassroots to the elite level.

This requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses the needs of coaches, players and administrators.

The new board must also work to restore the trust of sponsors, fans and the Government, which has been eroded over the years due to mismanagement and corruption.

One of the key areas of focus for the new board should be corporate governance. Zifa has been criticised in the past for its lack of transparency and accountability.

Magwizi and his team must ensure that the organisation is run in a professional and transparent manner, with clear lines of communication and decision-making processes.

Another critical area is football development. Zimbabwe has a rich football history, but the country has struggled to produce talented players in recent years. The new board must invest in grassroots development programmes, coaching clinics and youth tournaments to identify and nurture young talent.

This will require partnerships with local and international organisations, as well as the Government.

The new board must also prioritise the welfare of players and coaches. This includes ensuring that they are paid on time, provided with adequate training facilities and given the necessary support to compete at the highest level.

The Warriors’ recent success in qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations is a testament to what can be achieved when players and coaches are given the right support.

As Magwizi and his team begin their journey, they must be aware of the challenges that lie ahead. There will be those who will try to undermine their efforts, who will seek to maintain the status quo and resist change. But the new board must remain focused on their vision for Zimbabwean football and work tirelessly to achieve it.

In conclusion, the new Zifa board, led by Magwizi, has a unique opportunity to transform Zimbabwean football.
With a united front, a clear vision and a commitment to transparency and accountability, Zifa can restore its reputation and become a model association for others to follow. The journey ahead won’t be easy, but with hard work, dedication, and a passion for football, Magwizi and his team can achieve great things.

As the Zimbabwean football community looks to the future with optimism, it’s essential to remember that the success of the new board will depend on the support of all stakeholders. The Government, sponsors, fans and the media must all play their part in promoting and developing Zimbabwean football.
Together, we can achieve greatness and make Zimbabwean football a success story that inspires generations to come.