026 PSL Club Licensing Regulations Workshop Underway in Harare

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) today convened the 2026 Premier Soccer League Club Licensing Regulations Workshop in Harare, bringing together club executives, administrators and football regulators for a full day of learning, alignment and dialogue on the future of domestic football. The workshop marks an important step in ZIFA’s ongoing effort to strengthen standards across the league and ensure that local clubs meet the requirements expected in modern football.

Club licensing has become a central pillar of football development worldwide because it encourages clubs to operate as professional, well governed and financially responsible organisations. For Zimbabwe, the exercise is especially important as the nation seeks to build stronger institutions, restore confidence in the football ecosystem and elevate the quality of the game at all levels. The 2026 regulations reflect updated expectations around sporting, administrative, legal, financial and infrastructure benchmarks that clubs must meet in order to participate in organised competitions.

Speaking during the opening session, ZIFA Vice President Kennedy Ndebele emphasised that club licensing is not simply a compliance obligation but a transformational process. He said: “Club licensing is the foundation upon which sustainable football is built. It allows us to protect the game, safeguard our clubs and ensure that players operate in environments that are organised, safe and professional. This workshop is a chance for all of us to understand what is required and to commit to working together to uplift Zimbabwean football.”

Throughout the morning, technical presentations were delivered by the Appeals Body Chairperson, the First Instance Body Chairperson and the ZIFA Club Licensing Manager. These sessions outlined the new provisions of the 2026 regulations and provided a detailed review of the mandatory requirements that clubs must satisfy. Participants engaged with issues such as governance structures, youth development, facility standards, financial reporting and the safeguarding of players and officials.

ZIFA Club Licensing Manager Simbarashe Gochera said the workshop is designed to support clubs rather than punish them. “Our goal is to guide and empower clubs as they work towards meeting the standards. Club licensing is not intended to exclude but to elevate. When clubs are properly structured, the benefits flow to the entire football community. We want Zimbabwean clubs to be competitive in the region and on the continent and that starts with strong internal systems.”

In the afternoon, the programme also included an anti doping presentation led by Dr I Muzondo, and a panel discussion where clubs shared perspectives and offered feedback on the implementation process. The day will conclude with the closing ceremony where the ZIFA General Secretary will outline the way forward and reaffirm the association’s commitment to supporting clubs as they align with the new framework.

The workshop serves as a clear signal of ZIFA’s determination to foster a more professional and accountable football environment. As Zimbabwe prepares for important regional and international competitions in the coming years, strong club structures will be essential for producing well developed players and sustaining competitive teams. The 2026 Club Licensing Regulations are therefore not merely administrative guidelines but a roadmap for the future of Zimbabwean football.

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