Building the Future: ZIFA Unveils Bold Football Development Agenda

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has outlined a bold new vision for the future of local football, anchored on technical development and long-term growth. At the centre of this drive is ZIFA’s Head of Technical, Mr Dominique Niyonzima, who was officially introduced to the media at Tendeseka Park in Harare.

Technical development, ZIFA said, is the cornerstone of its transformation journey – focusing on youth and women’s football, coach education, grassroots competitions, and talent identification. The agenda aims to strengthen pathways for players and coaches, ensuring Zimbabwe regains its place among Africa’s leading football nations.

Speaking at the briefing, ZIFA Vice-President Loveness Mukura said the appointment of Niyonzima marks an important step forward.

“Football development is not an event, but a long-term process that requires vision, perseverance, and commitment,” Mukura said. “We believe Dominique brings the expertise and passion needed to guide our technical agenda. Together, we want to build pathways for every talented young boy and girl in Zimbabwe to dream and to excel.”

Niyonzima outlined his immediate priorities, highlighting both challenges and opportunities within the local football landscape.

“Zimbabwe has immense footballing talent, but we need stronger systems to nurture it,” he said. “We are reintroducing coaching courses, launching youth competitions in all provinces, and creating a national talent identification platform. Every child deserves a chance, no matter where they come from. Our mission is to ensure that football development becomes inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with international best practice.”

Recent progress includes the reintroduction of CAF coaching courses after seven years, the submission of a Technical Long-Term Development Plan, and the adoption of a dedicated women’s football strategy. From January, youth competitions will roll out across all ten provinces, covering age groups from Under-13 to Under-20, with scouting to feed into national teams.

Plans are also underway to appoint regional and provincial technical directors, expand partnerships with schools and academies, and establish a national football philosophy that will link youth football with the senior game. ZIFA believes these steps will lay the foundation for a competitive football ecosystem capable of producing players and coaches of the highest calibre.

Mukura said collaboration will be key to success:

“We cannot achieve this alone. We need the support of government, FIFA, CAF, our clubs, schools, and the wider football family. If we all play our part, Zimbabwean football will rise again.”

As ZIFA embarks on this ambitious journey, the Association reaffirmed its belief that vision, stability, and perseverance will deliver a brighter future for the game. With strong technical leadership now in place, the mission to restore Zimbabwe’s footballing pride is firmly underway.

More News