Sports
VP Mukura Launches ZIFA Women’s Football Strategy, Targets Grassroots Growth And National Success
Zimbabwe’s drive to accelerate the growth and professionalisation of women’s football took a major leap yesterday with the launch of the ZIFA Women’s Football Strategy 2025–2028, a blueprint that aims to reshape the women’s game from grassroots to elite levels.
Vice President Loveness Mukura, who officiated the launch in Harare, said the strategy marked a “turning point” for women’s football in Zimbabwe and urged all stakeholders to play their part in building a stronger pipeline for female talent.
“Today we commit to not only recognising the potential of our girls and women in football but to equipping them with every resource and opportunity to thrive,” said VP Mukura. “This strategy speaks to empowerment, equality, and national pride.”
The strategy comes at a time when Zimbabwe lays claim to a growing talent pool, with 2,000 registered female players feeding into four national teams, the Mighty Warriors (senior), U20, U17, and U15 squads. They compete in four active regional leagues across the country, providing much needed match experience and visibility.
ZIFA officials said the strategy focuses on four key pillars: boosting grassroots participation, developing coaching and officiating, improving infrastructure, and enhancing governance and commercial opportunities. It includes ambitious plans to broaden the national talent scouting net, increase school engagement, and strengthen partnerships with corporate sponsors to ensure financial sustainability.
Women’s football in Zimbabwe has historically battled challenges including inconsistent funding, inadequate facilities, and limited media coverage. Players have often juggled sport and work without formal contracts or welfare protections. VP Mukura acknowledged these hurdles but said government support, coupled with strategic planning, will fuel the game’s long term success.
“This is a moment of transformation,” she said. “Our girls must see football not just as a pastime, but as a viable career path. We have the talent, now we’re building the structure.”
ZIFA Women’s Football Chairperson, (name), described the strategy as “a roadmap to unlocking Zimbabwe’s full potential in the women’s game,” adding that collaboration between ZIFA, government, regional associations, and development partners will be vital.
The Mighty Warriors, who have previously made a mark on the continental stage, stand to benefit from the enhanced development pipelines, while younger age group teams will likely benefit from greater exposure and structured development pathways.
With the strategy now launched, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether its goals are matched by implementation and impact, both on the pitch and in transforming the lives of girls and women who dream of playing the beautiful game.
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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