ZIFA charts new path for Zimbabwean football with technical focus

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has unveiled a fresh vision for the game, with technical development at the heart of its plans to rebuild and grow local football.

Central to this new direction is the appointment of Mr Dominique Niyonzima as ZIFA’s Head of Technical, officially presented to the media at Tendeseka Park in Harare. His role is to drive youth and women’s football, coach education, grassroots competitions, and nationwide talent identification – all key pillars of ZIFA’s transformation agenda.

ZIFA Vice-President Loveness Mukura described the appointment as a vital step in reviving the country’s football fortunes.

“Development is not an overnight event but a process that takes patience, vision, and dedication,” Mukura said. “Dominique has the expertise and passion to lead this journey. Our dream is to create opportunities for every young boy and girl in Zimbabwe to pursue football at the highest level.”

Outlining his priorities, Niyonzima said Zimbabwe’s football potential is undeniable but needs proper structures to flourish.

“We have incredible talent, but systems must be stronger. We’re bringing back coaching courses, launching youth competitions in every province, and building a national talent platform. Football must be inclusive, sustainable, and in step with global standards,” he said.

Already, progress is being made. CAF coaching courses have returned after a seven-year gap, a long-term technical plan has been submitted, and a dedicated women’s football strategy is in place. Starting in January, youth competitions from Under-13 to Under-20 will kick off across all ten provinces, feeding directly into national team scouting.

ZIFA is also working to appoint regional and provincial technical directors, strengthen ties with schools and academies, and develop a national football philosophy that connects youth structures with the senior game.

For Mukura, collaboration will be crucial.
“We cannot succeed in isolation. Government, FIFA, CAF, schools, clubs, and all stakeholders must come together. If we unite behind this vision, Zimbabwean football will rise again.”

With strong technical leadership now installed, ZIFA says it is ready to lay a lasting foundation for a competitive football ecosystem – one capable of producing top-class players and coaches, and restoring Zimbabwe’s place among Africa’s footballing powerhouses.