THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) have scored a first after launching a thrilling 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Warriors kit design challenge, where they are inviting graphic designers, artists, football fans and creative minds across Zimbabwe to create a brand for the team.
Dubbed the “Warrior Pride: Brand Design Battle”, it is a first of its kind in Zimbabwe in a bid to shape the future identity of national teams.
The “Warrior Pride: Brand Design Battle” will run for six weeks starting today with deadline day being Thursday May 15, 2025.
Zimbabwe will be making a sixth appearance at the continental championship in Morocco later this month.
Without the proper leverage to negotiate multimillion-dollar kit deals with reputable brands, the Zifa board, led by Nqobile Magwizi, is looking to create and establish its own brand.
Zifa launched the initiative at their Milton Park offices in Harare yesterday.
“It’s with excitement that I welcome you all to the launch of what we have dubbed ‘Warrior Pride: Brand Design Battle’, a groundbreaking national campaign that puts the creative power in the hands of Zimbabweans,” Magwizi said.
“For the first time ever, we are inviting graphic designers, artists, football fans and creative minds across Zimbabwe to shape the future identity of our national football teams.
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“This is your chance to design a brand and kit that truly represents the spirit, resilience and unity of Zimbabwean football.”
Zifa has been criticised in the past for overlooking local brands and designers for the national teams.
The initiative is designed to engage the nation in the creative process of branding our national teams, encourage creativity and participation from designers and football enthusiasts and showcase our national pride through unique and inspiring designs.
Participants will be asked to submit brand name and logo design — with a description of the inspiration behind it.
Three jersey designs — a home kit (yellow), an away kit (green), and an alternative kit (white), incorporating the colours of the Zimbabwean flag — will also be required as well as additional branded merchandise.
The winning design will not only become the official brand and kit for Zifa, but also earn the designer a US$3 000 cash prize, and an all-expenses paid trip to watch the Warriors’ opening match at Afcon 2025.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of national pride, creativity, and football passion. With the hashtags #WarriorPride and #ZimKitChallenge, let’s turn this into a national movement that unites Zimbabweans through design and football,” Magwizi said.
“This is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in Zimbabwean football. The countdown starts now! Submit your designs before 15 May and be part of history.
“Are you up for the challenge?”
A panel of industry experts led by Crispen Sachikonye, who is the chairman, will evaluate all the submissions along with Sapi Bachi, Brett van Rooyen, Ebenezer Ayisa, Danayi Madondo, Desmond Maringwa and Carl Joshua Ncube.
Fans will also have their say by voting on the final four designs via social media.
