From Waste to Opportunity: Football Leaders Inspired by FIFA-Certified Community Facility in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean football today received another significant endorsement of its growing commitment to development, infrastructure and community impact after ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi led COSAFA Presidents and CAF dignitaries on a tour of the FIFA-certified football field constructed by Geo Pomona Waste Management Pvt Ltd as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme.

The visit formed part of activities surrounding the COSAFA Congress currently being hosted in Harare and brought together some of the region’s and continent’s leading football administrators, including Danny Jordaan and Fouzi Lekjaa.

The tour provided delegates with an opportunity to appreciate how football infrastructure can be integrated into broader community development and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Constructed to FIFA standards, the facility stands as more than just a football pitch. It represents a growing recognition that sport can be a powerful tool for social transformation, youth empowerment and community engagement.

Speaking during the visit, Magwizi said facilities of this nature were essential in creating opportunities for young people while strengthening grassroots football structures.

“This is a powerful example of what becomes possible when private sector investment, community development and football come together with a shared vision,” said Magwizi.

“Football infrastructure is not only about elite competition. It is about creating safe spaces for young people to play, dream, grow and build healthier communities. We are encouraged to see initiatives such as this contributing meaningfully to grassroots development in Zimbabwe.”

The ZIFA President also commended Geo Pomona for investing beyond its core business and demonstrating how corporate entities can contribute positively to national development through sport.

Waste management remains one of the critical challenges facing modern cities and communities across Africa. Sustainable environmental practices are increasingly becoming central to national development conversations, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas.

By combining environmental responsibility with community-focused initiatives such as sport infrastructure, projects like Geo Pomona demonstrate how waste management can extend beyond operational processes to create lasting social value.

For many young people in surrounding communities, access to quality sporting facilities can help provide structure, opportunity and hope while also encouraging healthy lifestyles and positive social interaction.

SAFA President Jordaan praised the initiative and said football continues to possess a unique ability to unite communities and inspire positive change.

“This is a very impressive facility and an important investment into the future of football,” said Jordaan.

“What is particularly encouraging is seeing football linked to broader community and environmental objectives. Across Africa, we need more partnerships that use football as a vehicle for development, education and social progress.”

Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Lekjaa also commended the initiative, noting the importance of infrastructure in building sustainable football ecosystems across the continent.

“Football development begins within communities,” said Lekjaa.

“When young people have access to quality facilities, they are given an opportunity to develop not only as players, but also as responsible citizens. Projects such as this help strengthen the foundation of African football while also contributing positively to society.”

The visit reflected a broader theme emerging from the COSAFA engagements in Harare – the importance of collaboration between football institutions, governments, communities and the private sector in driving sustainable growth.

As Zimbabwe continues positioning itself as an active host of regional and continental football events, initiatives that combine infrastructure, community development and social responsibility are increasingly becoming part of the country’s wider football transformation story.

For the young players who will step onto the FIFA-certified pitch in the years ahead, the facility will represent far more than grass and goalposts. It will stand as a reminder that football can help build communities, create opportunity and inspire a better future.

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