From Zurich to Zimbabwe: Lessons in Leadership

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) continues to invest in building the capacity and capabilities of its officers, with Women’s Football Lead, Ivy Mukahanana, recently representing the nation at the prestigious Women in Football Leadership Programme (WFLP) held in Zurich, Switzerland.

The four-day workshop, hosted at FIFA headquarters, brought together 25 women leaders from across FIFA Member Associations for an intensive engagement centred on leadership growth, peer learning, and strategic empowerment. The hybrid programme, which began in August 2025 and runs until April 2026, combines online modules with in-person sessions to deliver an immersive learning experience.

Organised as part of FIFA’s broader commitment to strengthening women’s football globally, the WFLP is designed to equip emerging female leaders with the tools, confidence, and networks to drive sustainable progress within their associations. Through individual and peer coaching, practical workshops, and networking sessions, participants explore pathways to influence organisational culture and leadership practices in football.

Reflecting on her experience, Ivy Mukahanana described the programme as transformative and inspiring: “The sessions in Zurich were deeply enriching – not only in terms of technical and leadership knowledge, but also in understanding how to lead with authenticity and purpose. The exposure to other women working in football across the world has given me valuable insights that I’m eager to apply back home. This programme has reaffirmed the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, and self-belief in shaping the future of women’s football.”

Mukahanana’s participation underscores ZIFA’s growing commitment to empowering its personnel and ensuring that the development of the women’s game is anchored in strong, capable leadership. Her involvement in the WFLP is part of a broader effort to position Zimbabwean football within the global conversation on diversity, leadership, and inclusion.

ZIFA Vice President Loveness Mukura applauded Mukahanana’s participation, describing it as a milestone not only for the individual but for the institution as well.
“Mentorship and international exposure are invaluable in shaping the next generation of football leaders. Programmes like these allow our officers to gain perspective, confidence, and professional networks that benefit both their personal growth and the broader football ecosystem in Zimbabwe. As ZIFA, we are intentional about creating pathways that enable our staff – especially women – to lead effectively and with vision.”

The WFLP aligns with FIFA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership structures within women’s football, ensuring that national associations have qualified and motivated leaders to steer development. For ZIFA, participation in such initiatives enhances the association’s capacity to plan, manage, and promote the game at all levels – particularly at a time when women’s football is experiencing remarkable growth both locally and internationally.

Mukahanana’s journey through the programme also highlights the value of collaboration between global and local institutions in advancing football leadership. As she continues the next phases of the WFLP, her experience is expected to contribute meaningfully to the strategic transformation of women’s football in Zimbabwe, supporting ZIFA’s vision of inclusivity, professionalism, and sustainable development.

Through initiatives like the WFLP, ZIFA reinforces its belief that strong institutions are built through empowered people – and that investing in the growth of its officers is central to building a more competitive, progressive, and united football community.

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