ZIFA Launches Ground-Breaking Women’s Football Strategy 

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) today officially launched the ZIFA Women’s Football Strategy in Harare, marking a major milestone in the transformation and professionalisation of the women’s game in the country. The launch brought together key leaders and stakeholders, affirming national commitment to strengthening pathways for girls and women in football.

The comprehensive strategy, built on five pillars – Player Pathway, Talent and Performance, Image, Identity and Commercialisation, Professionalisation and Governance, and Female Empowerment – sets the direction for the growth of women’s football from grassroots to elite level.

Speaking through ZIFA Vice President Loveness Mukura, who delivered the address on his behalf, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi described the launch as “the beginning of a new era for the women’s game.” He said: “This strategy is not just a document. It is a national commitment to empower girls and women, to strengthen pathways of opportunity, and to position Zimbabwe as a competitive force in African and global football. We are building a system where every girl has a chance to belong, to develop and to pursue her football dreams.”

The event was attended by ZIFA Vice President Kennedy Ndebele, ZIFA General Secretary Yvonne Manwa, ZIFA Head of Technical Dominic Niyozima, ZWPSL Chairperson Chido Chizondo, the Women’s Football Committee, various football stakeholders, and members of the media.

FIFA Women’s Football Technical Expert Thubelihle Sibanda, who played a key advisory role during the formulation of the strategy, commended ZIFA for its commitment to the women’s game. “Zimbabwe has shown great intention and discipline in building a structured future for women’s football. This strategy is a strong step forward, and FIFA is proud to support Zimbabwe in creating inclusive, competitive and sustainable football pathways,” she said.

ZIFA Vice President and Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee, Loveness Mukura, highlighted the extensive consultations that informed the strategy. “This document is a product of nationwide engagement – listening to schools, clubs, coaches, players, regional administrators and communities. It reflects our realities, our ambitions and our belief in the potential of the Zimbabwean girl child. Today we celebrate a milestone, but the real work begins with implementation,” she said.

Mukura emphasised that ZIFA has already tasked the Head of Technical, Dominic Niyozima, along with the Secretariat, to drive the strategy’s rollout across all levels of the women’s game.

The ZIFA Executive Committee was also acknowledged for prioritising women’s football since assuming office, initiating the national consultative forums that laid the foundation for the strategy’s development.

With today’s launch, ZIFA reaffirms its commitment to building a strong, inclusive and world-class women’s football ecosystem. The strategy now sets the tone for a future where Zimbabwe can not only participate, but excel at regional and global levels.

The Association extended its appreciation to FIFA for their continued support and to all stakeholders whose contributions shaped the roadmap.

The implementation phase begins immediately, signalling a new chapter for women’s football in Zimbabwe.

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