Football – A Gateway into Zimbabwe

Football has long been described as the world’s game. In Zimbabwe’s case, it is increasingly becoming something more – a gateway into the country itself.

In recent months, Zimbabwe has welcomed visitors from across the African continent through a growing calendar of football events hosted under the banner of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA). From continental executives and football legends to young players taking their first steps on the international stage, football has brought Africa to Zimbabwe in a way few other platforms can.

The ongoing COSAFA Congress in Harare is the latest example of sport and tourism working hand in hand. Football leaders from across Southern Africa have gathered in Zimbabwe not only for meetings and discussions about the future of the game, but also to experience the warmth, culture and hospitality that define the country.

The connection between sport and tourism is powerful. Every football tournament creates movement – of teams, supporters, officials, media, sponsors and families. Hotels fill up. Restaurants welcome new guests. Airports become busier. Local businesses benefit. But beyond the economic impact lies something equally important: perception. Every visitor leaves with a story about Zimbabwe.

Over the past year, ZIFA has deliberately positioned Zimbabwe as a capable and welcoming host nation. The successful hosting of the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals, the COSAFA Under-17 Boys Championship and the GIFT Cup brought together participants from across Africa, many of them visiting Zimbabwe for the very first time. For some, it was high-profile football administrators such as CAF President Patrice Motsepe experiencing Zimbabwe’s football environment firsthand. For others, it was schoolgirls from countries such as Burkina Faso and Eswatini discovering a new country through the universal language of football.
While they arrived as athletes, officials and delegates, many departed as ambassadors for Zimbabwe.

Speaking at a Welcome Cocktail Reception for visiting dignitaries ahead of the COSAFA Congress, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi said the relationship between sport and tourism continues to present significant opportunities for Zimbabwe. “Sport has the power to bring people together and to showcase Zimbabwe to the world. Every tournament and every event gives visitors an opportunity to experience our people, our culture and our hospitality. Football is helping open Zimbabwe to Africa and beyond,” she said.

The impact extends beyond stadiums and conference venues. Visitors engage with local communities, experience Zimbabwean cuisine, visit tourism attractions and interact with ordinary Zimbabweans whose warmth often leaves a lasting impression. For ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi, football has become an important bridge connecting Zimbabwe with the continent. “As ZIFA, we believe football must go beyond the pitch. The game creates opportunities for partnerships, tourism, cultural exchange and national branding. Every event we host is an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe as an organised, welcoming and forward-looking destination,” said Magwizi.

Zimbabwe’s growing role as a host nation also reflects broader progress within football administration and event organisation. Successfully staging regional and continental events requires planning, infrastructure, coordination and collaboration between government, football authorities and the private sector. Importantly, it also requires trust.
The continued confidence shown by organisations such as CAF and COSAFA in awarding Zimbabwe hosting responsibilities speaks to the country’s growing reputation as a dependable football destination.

As more tournaments, congresses and football activities make their way to Zimbabwe, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: football is no longer just bringing trophies and competition to the country. It is bringing people. And through those people, football is helping tell Zimbabwe’s story to the rest of Africa and the world.

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