Nqobile Magwizi TO Zimbabweans, football is more than a game. It is the passion that unites generations and builds relationships across age, sex and social status. It is the heartbeat of our communities and a powerful force for national identity and pride. As President of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), I have long believed that communication is the cornerstone of progress. That is why I am pleased to introduce this new weekly column — Inside ZIFA — a platform for open engagement and a transparent window into what we are working on at every level of the game. This column is not about press releases or polished headlines. It is about substance. It is about inviting every stakeholder — from fans in the stands to club administrators, players, coaches, referees, the Government and sponsors — to walk with us as we rebuild, reform and reimagine the future of football in Zimbabwe. Why this column matters Zimbabwean football has gone through its share of trials. In recent years, we have experienced disconnections between the administrators of the game and the football-loving public. This column is a step towards bridging that divide. It is our commitment to transparency, inclusivity and dialogue. As your elected football leadership, we understand that trust must be earned — not demanded. That begins with telling the truth, admitting where we fall short and celebrating where we make progress. It also means engaging directly with the people we serve. You deserve to know what will be going on inside ZIFA, what decisions we are making and why. As our football commentary legend Charles Mabika puts it so well, you are the owners of the game. What we are working on At the heart of our current focus is reform. Real, lasting reform. We are working around the clock to strengthen the foundation of our game through governance renewal, technical development and financial discipline. One of the major undertakings underway is the elections road map. After years of uncertainty, we are working closely with FIFA and COSAFA to ensure that ZIFA elections — when held — are free, fair and reflective of the will of football stakeholders. This process must not be rushed or politically manipulated. We want to get it right. We have also begun institutional capacity building at provincial and regional levels. These structures are the engines of Zimbabwean football, and they must be empowered, resourced and professionalised. We are conducting skills development, standardising operations and holding leaders accountable to the principles of good governance. Referees, discipline and accountability The recent spotlight on refereeing matters in Zimbabwe is not something we are running away from. It is, in fact, a welcome opportunity to clean house and restore integrity. We are taking firm steps to ensure that the Referees Committee operates independently, transparently and according to merit. Disciplinary cases are being handled fairly but decisively. Let me be clear: There is no room for corruption, match-fixing or abuse of office in Zimbabwean football. The days of impunity are over. While the wheels of justice may turn slowly at times, they will turn — and they will deliver. Vision 2030 and football development Football does not exist in a vacuum. Our strategy is aligned with the national development goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to build an upper middle-income economy for Zimbabwe. In that spirit, we are rolling out a bold, inclusive development agenda that prioritises: Youth football: Resourcing junior leagues, talent identification and school partnerships. Women’s football: Expanding opportunities, increasing visibility and supporting our Mighty Warriors and grassroots girls’ teams. Coach education: Raising the technical standards through certification and continuous learning. Infrastructure growth: Engaging the Government and the private sector to invest in stadiums, training centres and equipment. Our dream is clear: a Zimbabwe where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to play football in a safe, supportive and structured environment — and where our national teams qualify for continental and global tournaments consistently. The challenges are real — but so is our resolve We are not blind to the challenges. Funding shortage remains a key hurdle, and we continue to engage the Government and corporate partners for support. Infrastructure gaps — especially the state of our stadiums at community level — continue to limit growth and international competitiveness. We also face stakeholder fatigue, the product of years of broken promises and unfulfilled reforms. But we are determined to prove that this time is different. Through patience, persistence and people-centred leadership, we will regain the trust of the nation. And let me add — we cannot do it alone. Football is a collective effort. We need fans in the stands, sponsors on the pitch and committed leaders in every dressing room and boardroom. A weekly conversation Each week, Inside ZIFA will explore a different theme or issue — from national team planning to the role of technology, from the state of women’s football to the future of youth academies. We will also answer your questions and engage with your feedback. This is not a Magwizi monologue. It is a conversation. You are welcome to write to us through the newspaper’s feedback channels or directly through ZIFA’s official platforms. We will be listening. We will be responding. And we will keep showing up — week after week, like the players who bring the game to life on the field, from the top league to social circles. Closing thoughts In football, as in life, progress does not always come in a straight line. There will be wins and losses, setbacks and breakthroughs. What matters is that we remain committed to the journey, that we stay united as a football nation and that we keep our eyes fixed on the goal: a thriving, professional, people-driven football ecosystem in Zimbabwe. Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring about the game. And thank you for walking this road with us. Let us build the future of Zimbabwean football — together. * Nqobile Magwizi is the ZIFA president.