ZIFA Delegation Attends FIFA TDS Knowledge Exchange Workshop in Kigali

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is continuing to strengthen its football development structures through participation in the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) Knowledge Exchange Workshop currently underway in Kigali, Rwanda.

The five-day workshop, running from 12 to 16 May 2026, has brought together football associations and development experts from across Africa to share experiences, assess progress, discuss challenges, and exchange strategic ideas around the implementation of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme programmes.

Representing Zimbabwe at the important capacity-building platform are ZIFA Technical Director Dominique Niyonzima, ZIFA TDS Lead Jacob Chavungama and BancABC Roots Impact Manager Liam Chanetsa.

The workshop provides participating associations with an opportunity to present the progress being made within their respective football ecosystems while also learning from other federations that are implementing similar talent development initiatives.

For Zimbabwe, the engagement comes at a significant time as ZIFA continues to intensify efforts to build sustainable player development pathways through grassroots football, coaching education, youth competitions and strategic partnerships.

ZIFA Technical Director Dominique Niyonzima said the workshop was an important learning and networking platform for the association.

“This workshop gives us an opportunity to assess where we are as Zimbabwe in relation to other associations and to continuously improve our structures,” said Niyonzima.

“It is important for us to share our experiences, learn from others and identify areas where we can strengthen our Talent Development Scheme initiatives. These exchanges are critical in helping us build sustainable football development systems.”

ZIFA TDS Lead Jacob Chavungama said the workshop was also helping associations better understand how to align technical development with long-term football objectives.

“The discussions have been very insightful and practical. We are engaging with different federations and seeing how they are addressing similar challenges while also developing innovative solutions,” said Chavungama.

“It helps us identify the gaps we still need to close and gives us ideas on how we can continue improving our structures and programmes back home.”

BancABC Roots Impact Manager Liam Chanetsa said collaboration between football associations and development partners remained key to long-term success.

“This workshop reinforces the importance of partnerships and collective effort in football development,” said Chanetsa.

“As BancABC Roots Impact, we are proud to be part of initiatives that are helping create pathways for young players and strengthening football structures in Zimbabwe.”

The workshop is expected to further enhance Zimbabwe’s ongoing TDS initiatives while contributing to broader efforts aimed at building a stronger and more competitive football future for the country.

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