Boost for Schools Football as ZIFA Backs National Talent Development Drive

The Zimbabwe Football Association has welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and Better Brands, describing the partnership as a timely and strategic investment in the future of Zimbabwean football.

The agreement, which comes with a US$200,000 sponsorship package, is set to breathe new life into schools sport through the National Association of School Heads (NASH), with a particular focus on reviving grassroots competition and strengthening one of the country’s most important talent identification platforms.

For ZIFA, the initiative aligns strongly with the Association’s broader development agenda, which places schools, grassroots structures and organised competition at the heart of long-term football growth. Schools have historically played a major role in producing some of Zimbabwe’s finest footballers, and the revival of structured national competition is expected to widen opportunities for young players across the country.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Honourable Torerayi Moyo described sport as a critical tool for youth development, education and national transformation. “Sport is not separate from education. It is part of the complete development of a learner,” said Honourable Moyo. “Through partnerships such as this one, we are creating platforms where young people can discover their talents, build discipline, compete fairly and begin to dream beyond the classroom.” He added that the partnership with Better Brands would help restore the strength and visibility of schools sport, while opening the door for more corporate partners to support learner development through structured competition.

Better Brands Chief Operations Officer Mr Tonderai Sakupwanya said the company was proud to invest in a programme that speaks directly to youth empowerment and national development. “We would like to thank the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for giving us this opportunity to partner in nurturing young talent,” said Mr Sakupwanya. “This tournament once produced many talented football players, but over the years it lost momentum. As Better Brands, through Honourable Scott Sakupwanya, we saw it fit to revive and support this tournament because we believe in empowering the youth from grassroots level.”

The Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr Nicholas Moyo, also endorsed the initiative, noting that the partnership would strengthen the link between schools sport and the national sporting ecosystem. “We are proud to witness this partnership. It establishes a vital foundation for enhanced training, fair competition and long-term athlete development,” said Mr Moyo. “For too long, NAPH and NASH have operated without sustainable funding. This partnership changes that narrative.”

ZIFA Head of Commercial Mr Mark Ruck said the Association stands ready to support the programme and ensure that schools football is integrated into a sustainable national development pathway. “This is exactly the kind of partnership Zimbabwean football needs,” said Ruck. “Schools remain one of the most important spaces for talent identification, character development and early competition. As ZIFA, we are committed to working closely with the Ministry, Better Brands and all stakeholders to ensure that this tournament becomes a respected, competitive and sustainable national platform.” He added that the initiative complements ZIFA’s ongoing drive to strengthen grassroots football, create clearer player pathways and build development structures that connect schools, communities, clubs and national teams.

The US$200,000 sponsorship is expected to support the revival and running of the competition, with the possibility of additional partners and corporate sponsors coming on board as the programme grows. ZIFA believes that the success of the initiative will depend on strong coordination, sound governance, proper competition management and continued collaboration between Government, the private sector, schools and football stakeholders.

With Better Brands stepping forward as a major partner, the revival of NASH football represents more than the return of a schools competition. It is a renewed national investment in young people, a platform for scouting and development, and a clear reminder that the future of Zimbabwean football begins where many great football dreams first take shape: on the school grounds.

More News