Football for Life: COSAFA, ZIFA and UNFPA Empower Epworth Community

The township of Epworth came alive on Friday, 19 September, as the COSAFA Coaching Clinic in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) delivered a memorable afternoon of football, education, and community empowerment at Domboramwari High School.Running from 13:30 to 16:30, the clinic brought together 80 enthusiastic students and 20 teachers, coaches, and support staff for a unique blend of practical learning and personal development. Participants rotated through eight interactive stations—four focused on safeguarding and four on small-sided games. The dual approach not only honed footballing techniques but also reinforced vital lessons on child protection, life skills, and social responsibility in one of Harare’s high-density communities.

One of the highlights of the afternoon came with the involvement of Zimbabwean football icons Edward Sadomba and Alois Bunjira, who shared their experiences, inspired the youngsters, and reminded them that football is not merely a game but a tool for building character and creating opportunities.

COSAFA Executive Director, Sue Destombes, expressed her delight at the success of the initiative. “This is what football is truly about – reaching communities, shaping lives, and giving young people both the skills and the confidence to dream. COSAFA is proud to work with ZIFA and UNFPA in bringing this vision to Epworth. The response from the participants and the community has been phenomenal, and it proves that football remains a powerful force for good.”The event was equally significant for UNFPA, whose mandate includes safeguarding and the empowerment of young people. UNFPA representative, Janneke Bienert, underscored the importance of blending sport with social development. “Football has a universal language, and when we combine it with messages of safety, respect, and empowerment, it becomes a powerful educational tool. Today, these students learned more than just how to pass or dribble; they learned about self-worth, teamwork, and protecting one another. That is the foundation for a healthier and more resilient community.”

ZIFA Head of Technical, Dominique Niyonzima, emphasised the association’s commitment to grassroots development. “This clinic reflects our vision of developing not only better footballers, but better people. By engaging teachers and coaches alongside the students, we are planting seeds that will grow long after today. Our gratitude goes to COSAFA and UNFPA for supporting this initiative, and to our local partners Chicken Inn and ProBottlers for believing in the transformative power of football.”The clinic was a celebration of collaboration, made possible by the combined support of COSAFA, ZIFA, UNFPA, Chicken Inn, and ProBottlers. For the children and teachers of Epworth, it was an unforgettable day that highlighted how football, when used intentionally, can bridge gaps, inspire dreams, and build safer, stronger communities.

As the final whistle blew, the smiles on the faces of the participants told the story of a successful afternoon: football had done more than entertain – it had educated, empowered, and left a lasting impact on the Epworth community.

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