Sports
Zimbabwean Officials Shine as CAF Names Chimene and Tangawarima for AFCON 2025 Training in Cairo
Zimbabwe’s football officiating continues to make remarkable strides on the continental stage, with two of the country’s most distinguished refereeing figures, Brighton Chimene and Felix Tangawarima, selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the AFCON 2025 Preparation Course set to run from 8 to 13 November in Cairo, Egypt.
The course, which brings together Africa’s elite match officials, serves as an intensive pre-tournament programme designed to fine-tune refereeing standards ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 scheduled for Morocco.
Chimene, who has rapidly built a reputation as one of the continent’s top Video Match Officials (VMOs), will undergo advanced VAR (Video Assistant Referee) training alongside other leading specialists. His selection underscores Zimbabwe’s growing expertise in the use of technology to support fair play and accurate decision-making in modern football.
On the other hand, Felix Tangawarima, a revered figure in African refereeing and a CAF Referees Instructor, will play a mentorship and supervisory role during the training camp. A former FIFA referee himself, Tangawarima’s vast experience continues to shape the new generation of match officials across the continent, cementing his legacy as one of Africa’s most influential refereeing educators.
Speaking on the development, football analysts have hailed CAF’s recognition of Zimbabwean talent as a positive reflection of the country’s steady progress in football administration. The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), under the leadership of President Nqobile Magwizi, has in recent years intensified efforts to professionalise and modernise refereeing structures, creating pathways for local officials to reach the international stage.
“Having both Chimene and Tangawarima representing Zimbabwe at such a high-profile CAF event is a proud moment for the nation. It speaks to the work being done behind the scenes to uplift the standards of refereeing,” said one ZIFA official.
For Chimene, this opportunity marks another step in his career trajectory, with hopes high that his expertise will contribute to Zimbabwe’s growing influence in continental officiating. For Tangawarima, it is yet another chance to inspire and pass on knowledge, ensuring the country remains part of CAF’s core refereeing leadership network.
As the continent gears up for the much-anticipated AFCON 2025 tournament, the presence of Zimbabwean officials in Cairo signals that the nation’s flag continues to fly high, not only on the pitch but also in the crucial corridors of match officiating excellence.
Sports
CAPS United Bolsters Squad with 12 New Signings Ahead of 2026 Season
CAPS United has strengthened its squad ahead of the 2026 season, confirming the signing of 12 new players across all positions. The club, determined to challenge for domestic honours, has added a mix of experienced campaigners and young talents.
Among the new arrivals are defenders Nyasha Gurende, Talent Chamboko, and Kudzai Chigwida, midfield reinforcements Lloyd Njaliwa, McDonald Makuwe, Bret Amidu, and Richard Hachiro, as well as forwards Obriel Chirinda, Chawanangwa Kaonga, and Delic Murimba. The club also secured winger Davison Marowa and goalkeeper Wallace Magalane.
The signings reflect CAPS United’s intent to build a balanced squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Club officials have highlighted the importance of blending youth and experience to maintain competitiveness in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League.
Fans will be eager to see how the new recruits integrate with the existing squad as pre-season preparations ramp up. With reinforcements across defence, midfield, and attack, CAPS United is signaling its ambition to mount a strong challenge in the 2026 campaign.
Sports
Meet Ballon Chiseko: The Man Mobilising Footballers and Coaches for ED
Ballon Chiseko is the driving force behind the fast-growing Former Footballers and Players for ED initiative, a movement that has begun to attract attention within Zimbabwe’s football circles.
Popularly known as “Master”, Chiseko is a former professional footballer with a career that spanned across the region. He previously turned out for Shooting Stars, Munumotapa FC, and Gaborone United in Botswana, earning respect both on and off the pitch.
Through the initiative, Chiseko is bringing together former players, active footballers and coaches with the aim of contributing to national development using football as a tool for engagement and influence.
Chiseko says the formation of the group was inspired by the President’s call for inclusive national development.
“The President has an open-door policy to develop the country, leaving no place and no one behind. We formed this initiative in response to that call so that our footballers and coaches can also play a role through football,” he said.
The Former Footballers and Players for ED movement positions football not just as a sport, but as a platform for unity, participation and national contribution, with Chiseko emerging as the key figure coordinating its vision and direction.
Sports
US$100K Lifeline for Soccer Legends
• Tagwirei Pledges $100k to Former Footballers Through New Zanu PF Affiliate
• Footballers4ED Initiative Offers Ex-Players Projects, Free Healthcare
• Zimbabwe Soccer Legends Tasked with Grassroots Revival Under New Funding Scheme
A new affiliate group, Footballers4ED, has been launched with a pledge of US$100,000 in funding for former footballers, aimed at supporting project-based livelihoods.
The initiative was unveiled at a meeting hosted by Zanu PF Youth League Deputy Political Commissar Taurai Kandishaya at his farm in Goromonzi.

Speaking to the gathering, which included several Zimbabwean soccer legends, Kandishaya announced that the funding had been pledged by businessman and Zanu PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
“Cde Kudakwashe Tagwirei pledged to support the former footballers with US$100,000 so that they come up with various projects so that they earn a better living,” Kandishaya said.
“On top of the $100k, you are allowed to get free health facility and medical at Arundel Hospital.”
Kandishaya also linked the initiative to broader national efforts, referencing recently announced presidential funding for football promotion.
He said retired footballers under the Footballers for Economic Development banner would be tasked with organizing tournaments from grassroots levels.
The event saw the attendance of former football icons such as Sunday Marimo and Evans Gwekerere.
Balon Chiseko, the National Chairman of Footballers4ED, explained the group’s purpose.
“The purpose of this organization is to remember every legend who contributed to the soccer fraternity of this country,” he said.
“We understand all former soccer players have various grievances but the initiative of this is to revive soccer through their knowledge.”
Former Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“Since his life this is the first time to gather for an initiative that remembers us,” he said.
“I want to thank the organizers of this initiative, we are ready to develop and revive football in Zimbabwe.”
The Footballers4ED group positions itself as an affiliate supporting Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Economic Development (ED) agenda.
The pledged funds are intended to catalyze entrepreneurial projects for the former athletes while mobilizing their expertise for grassroots football development.
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