ZIFA sets new 2025–2028 vision for women’s football growth

By Nobukhosi Ndlovu

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) recently launched a Women’s Football Strategy aimed at transforming the future of the women’s game in the country.

The 2025–2028 plan seeks to ensure that every girl in Zimbabwe, from grassroots to elite levels, has a role in football, not only as a player but also as a coach, referee, leader, or fan.

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi said the strategy is anchored on five key pillars: Growing Participation, Showcasing the Image, Striving for Excellence, Building Foundations, and Bringing Structures.

“Each pillar speaks to our collective ambition to create a world-class, inclusive, and competitive women’s football ecosystem that leaves no girl, no community, and no dream behind,” he said.

The strategy is set to build on existing progress, to align with FIFA and CAF Women’s football Development framework and is firmly rooted in ZIFA’s broader strategic agenda. It is said to be a call to action for government communities, clubs, schools and partners to invest in the women’s game as a tool for empowerment.

The Growing Participation pillar aims to expand access to football for women and girls across the country, including players and coaches . ZIFA seeks to establish clearly defined pathways and consistent competitions at all age levels to strengthen the talent and encourage sustained engagement in the sport. As part of this plan, ZIFA intends to apply for the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign to be rolled out in underserved provinces by May 2026 and introduce a primary school zonal tournament targeting under-13 players by January 2027.

Through, ‘Showcasing the Image’, ZIFA aims to break public stereotypes surrounding women’s football, create a positive and inspiring image of the sport, and build a brand that resonates with fans while attracting commercial support. Planned action by the association includes identifying media houses to work with and provide regular content on women’s football beginning in the new 2026 season.

Senior sports journalist Lee Mangena, shared briefly on the media’s role in driving change. “Sports journalism, by highlighting the current imbalances, could and can influence change,” he said, emphasizing the importance of reporting on issues like inequality in women’s sport amongst many others.

The third pillar, being the Striving for Excellence focuses on improving the performance of Zimbabwe’s national women’s teams and restoring the country’s glory days by qualifying for major tournaments. ZIFA aims to ensure that players have opportunities to develop their skills and compete at the highest levels. Key actions including running training camps for locally based players during league breaks to keep them active beginning in January 2026.

ZIFA General Secretary Yvonne Manwa said the strategy comes at a pivotal moment. “Across the world, women’s football is expanding at an unprecedented pace, athletically, commercially, and socially. Zimbabwe must position itself to harness this momentum. ” She also noted how the strategy’s holistic approach recognizes that development must begin with strong foundation.

“This strategy is an investment, not just in football but in Zimbabwean women and girls. It is an investment in their opportunities, their voices, their dreams, and their future,” Manwa said.

The Building Foundations pillar aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for women and girls on and off the pitch while improving infrastructure and support systems across the game. As part of the efforts, ZIFA plans to liase with programs like Grassroots soccer to provide life skills education through football in the schools. Meanwhile, the Bringing Structures pillar focuses on governance and professionalization, including increasing female representation in regional and national associations, club management, and in all Women’s football committees.

Former referee Sabelo Maphosa highlighted that while recruitment of female referees has improved, challenges remain when some are discouraged by fitness requirements or hesitate to progress into active roles, underscoring the importance of pathways and support for women in sport.

ZIFA Media and Communications Officer Thabani Moyo said the association plans to expand capacity-building programs for women in sport and the media. “These initiatives, such as the Sports Writer’s Workshop will build on the momentum and deepen gender inclusion across Zimbabwean football,” he said.

Women’s football in Zimbabwe has roots dating back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when informal community teams began forming in urban centers such as Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare. Despite limited infrastructure and social barriers, the dedication of pioneering women sustained the sport.