ZIFA and Sports Writers Unite for Development Workshop at ZIFA Village

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) today hosted a landmark workshop with members of the Sports Writers Association of Zimbabwe (SWAZ) at the ZIFA Village in Mt Hampden, Harare – a day dedicated to dialogue, knowledge exchange, and mutual learning for the advancement of football in the country.

The one-day workshop brought together members of the media alongside football administrators to strengthen collaboration between the media and the national football governing body. The engagement aimed to build greater understanding of ZIFA’s structures, operations, and strategic direction while encouraging open discussion on the role of the media in shaping the national football narrative.

The event featured participation from key ZIFA officials including Executive Committee Member and Chairperson of the Marketing Committee, Ms Kudzai Kadzombe, ZIFA Head of Technical, Mr Dominique Niyozima, ZIFA Head of Commercial, Mr Mark Ruck, and former referee Norman Matemera.

In her opening remarks, Ms Kadzombe emphasised the importance of a transparent and constructive relationship between ZIFA and the media, underscoring that both entities share a common purpose – the growth and success of Zimbabwean football.“The media are vital partners in the football ecosystem. They inform, educate and inspire the nation through their coverage, and as ZIFA, we value that role immensely,” she said. “This workshop represents an opportunity to strengthen trust and understanding, to share insights into how we operate, and to explore how we can collectively promote football development in Zimbabwe. Our goal is to build bridges, not barriers, because when we work together, the game wins.”

Ms Kadzombe also highlighted the Association’s ongoing reforms and renewed strategic focus since the election of President Nqobile Magwizi and his Executive Committee last year. “ZIFA has made major progress in governance, transparency and accountability. We have published audited financial statements, undertaken structural reforms to align with our statutes, and prioritised both technical development and women’s football. This open approach is what we are extending today – to ensure our stakeholders, including the media, have full insight into the direction we are taking,” she added.

The workshop agenda covered a wide range of topics, including ZIFA’s organisational structure, governance reforms, the laws of the game, the Association’s long-term technical development plan, and commercial frameworks to support football growth. Sessions were led by ZIFA’s technical and commercial departments, giving media participants an inside look at how different arms of the Association are driving its transformation agenda.

ZIFA Head of Technical, Mr Dominique Niyozima, shared insights into the ongoing technical programmes being implemented across the country, including coaching education, grassroots development, and the establishment of structured pathways for players and coaches. He underscored the importance of consistent and accurate reporting on these initiatives to ensure the public remains informed and engaged in football’s development process.

ZIFA Head of Commercial, Mr Mark Ruck, spoke on the Association’s drive towards commercialisation, which has seen new partnerships established with both corporate and community-based organisations. He encouraged the media to play an active role in promoting these initiatives and celebrating positive developments within the game.

The workshop is also a platform for the media to share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improving communication and access to information, marking the beginning of what both parties hope will be a sustained and productive partnership built on mutual respect, transparency, and a shared love for the game.

“Football belongs to everyone,” Ms Kadzombe concluded. “Our progress as a nation depends on collective effort – administrators, coaches, players, sponsors, fans, and the media – all pulling in the same direction. Together, we can tell the story of Zimbabwean football with pride, truth, and hope.”

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