Building Football Leaders for the Future

The Zimbabwe Football Association has successfully concluded the Administration & Management Course Phase 2 National Course Directors Programme, marking another important step in the association’s drive to professionalise football administration and strengthen institutional capacity across the country.

Held at ZIFA Village in Harare from Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May 2026, the five-day programme brought together football administrators and development leaders for an intensive training experience designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills required in the modern football environment.

The course was facilitated by seasoned African football administrator Archford Mamelodi together with ZIFA Vice President Kennedy Ndebele, whose combined expertise provided participants with valuable insight into both continental and local football administration systems.

The programme covered a broad range of football management and operational areas. Sessions included methodology and principles of teaching, ZIFA structures, technical administration, refereeing, marketing, member association management, competitions, finance management, volunteerism, club management and club licensing.

Participants also engaged in practical group assignments and open discussions aimed at encouraging collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving within football structures.

The structure of the programme reflected ZIFA’s growing emphasis on developing well-rounded football administrators capable of contributing meaningfully to the growth of the game at grassroots, provincial and national levels.

A major highlight of the week was the visit by ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi, who took time to meet and interact with participants during the course.

Magwizi applauded the commitment shown by participants and reaffirmed ZIFA’s determination to build strong football systems through education and continuous professional development.

“Football administration is evolving rapidly and associations that invest in knowledge and human capital are the ones that will succeed sustainably,” said Magwizi.

“As ZIFA, we are committed to empowering administrators with the tools, understanding and leadership capacity needed to move Zimbabwean football forward. Courses like these are central to our vision of building a professional, accountable and progressive football environment.”

He added that football development extends beyond activities on the pitch and depends heavily on capable administrators who can implement sound governance and operational systems.

Facilitator Archford Mamelodi praised both the organisation of the programme and the enthusiasm demonstrated by participants throughout the week.

“It has been encouraging to witness the passion and level of engagement from the participants,” said Mamelodi.

“This programme represents an important investment into the future of football in Zimbabwe because successful football development requires strong administration, sound leadership and educated football personnel.”

Mamelodi noted that African football continues to evolve and associations must continuously adapt by improving administrative structures and investing in people.

ZIFA Vice President Kennedy Ndebele also commended participants for their discipline, commitment and willingness to learn.

“We are building a new culture of professionalism within Zimbabwean football,” said Ndebele.

“The knowledge acquired during this programme must now be taken back into communities, clubs, provinces and football institutions where it can make a practical difference. Football grows when administrators are equipped, informed and proactive.”

Beyond the classroom sessions, the programme also created a valuable platform for networking, exchange of ideas and strengthening relationships among football stakeholders from different parts of the country.

The successful completion of the course further highlights ZIFA’s ongoing commitment to capacity building, governance reform and long-term football development. Over recent months, the association has intensified educational and developmental programmes targeting coaches, administrators, referees and football managers as part of a broader vision to modernise Zimbabwean football.

As participants departed ZIFA Village at the conclusion of the programme on Friday, there was a strong sense of optimism and renewed purpose — a reflection of ZIFA’s continued efforts to ensure that the future of Zimbabwean football is supported not only by talent on the field, but also by strong leadership and professional administration behind the scenes.

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