The new Zifa executive reached 100 days in office in which they have moved with speed to transform local football.
Zifa released a statement to celebrate their numerous achievements, which they have attained in the short space of time.
The successes have been hinged on five catalytic pillars from the Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi's campaign manifesto titled More Than A Game.
These include building a strong and accountable institution, forging meaningful partnerships, commercialising football sustainably, investing in infrastructure and technology and enhancing technical prowess across all levels.
"Today marks a critical milestone as we reflect on the first 100 days of the new Zifa executive committee (ExCo). It is a moment not only to celebrate our early achievements, but also to affirm our collective resolve to restore integrity, transform football administration, and usher in a new era of excellence for Zimbabwean football," Magwizi said in the statement released on Friday.
"Our journey began with a resounding mandate from the football fraternity following the historic election of January 25, 2025. That mandate came with clear expectations to rebuild a broken institution, restore trust, and create a transparent, inclusive, and results-oriented Zifa.
"We inherited an organisation weakened by years of instability, disillusionment, and fractured relationships with stakeholders.
"Yet, despite the challenges, we embraced the opportunity with conviction, guided by our belief that Zimbabwean football can rise again – stronger, cleaner, and more professional," he said.
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In terms of building a strong and accountable institution Zifa has engaged Samara Corporate for an HR and skills audit engaged Grant Thornton, conducted a session with Fifa officials David Fani and Stewart Regan.
Zifa has also promoted diversity in leadership with 36 women appointed across 126 committee positions while post-election reconciliation was fostered by inclusion of unsuccessful candidates in FA roles.
In the first 100 Days, the Zifa executive Committee took decisive steps to reignite football development from grassroots to elite levels.
Central to this was the revival of dormant competitions such as the FA Cup – now renamed the Zifa Cup, set to launch in 2025 – providing clubs across the country with a vital competitive platform.
The Zimbabwe football body has adopted a key pillar of strategy in rebuilding the national talent pipeline through school and tertiary football programmes (NAPH, NASH, and Tertiary), in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.
These efgorts aim to institutionalise football from early stages and ensure talent is identified, nurtured, and transitioned into the professional ranks.
In parallel, the executive committee has actively explored the integration of Zimbabwean players in the diaspora through the “Roots and Dreams” initiative launched in the UK and Europe.
This programme, led by Magwizi and Warriors' Michael Nees, is connecting dual-nationality players with the national team set up to expand and diversify the talent pool.
Ultimately, Zifa aims to craft a distinctive Zimbabwean football philosophy – one that blends technical skill, tactical discipline, and physical resilience.
This consistent playing identity will be embedded in all national teams, academies, and club structures, serving as a foundation for success in Cosafa, Caf, and Fifa competitions. It is our firm belief that this structured and strategic technical approach will place Zimbabwe firmly on the path toward World Cup qualification and long-term international success.
Zifa has also made significant strides in re-engaging the corporate sector, government, and development partners to support the revitalisation of football in the country.
Several sponsorship commitments have been secured, laying a strong foundation for Zifa’s commercial and developmental objectives with Betterbrands pledging US$150 000 towards the provision of kit and technical equipment for the senior men’s national team for the 2025 season.
May 4 International signed a three-year partnership with Zifa to supply world-class formal attire for our national teams.
According to the report Zifa is currently engaged in advanced discussions with a wide range of potential partners, including leading banks, car dealerships and beverage companies among others.
"Our journey has been marked by innovation, resilience, and dedication to our core values. We have focused on building a strong institution, fostering partnerships, commercialising our operations, harnessing technology, and enhancing our technical prowess.
"We have laid the foundation for sustainable progress and integrity-driven leadership. Our efforts include fundamental governance procedures such as appointing committee members, conducting audits, developing a strategic framework with a keen focus on implementation and a dedication to transparency and accountability to all stakeholders," chief executive officer Yvonne Mapika Manwa said.
