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ZIFA Groundbreaking FIFA Club Management Course to Modernise Local Football

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The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has taken a bold step towards transforming the country’s football landscape by hosting the first-ever FIFA Club Management course in Harare, a landmark initiative aimed at reshaping how local clubs are run both on and off the pitch.

The two-day programme, which kicked off on Thursday, has brought together club executives and administrators from the Premier Soccer League, the Women’s Premier Soccer League, and various lower divisions marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey toward modern football governance.

This is only the second time FIFA has rolled out the course in Africa, following a successful pilot edition in Angola last year. The Harare edition focuses on equipping club leaders with vital knowledge in areas such as strategic planning, financial management, marketing, governance, and club licensing all essential components of modern football management.

Leading the course is a team of FIFA experts that includes Marcos Pelegrin, a seasoned administrator formerly with La Liga; Solomon Mudege, who is conducting the governance modules; and Davis Fani, FIFA’s Lead for Africa. Together, they are sharing global best practices designed to help Zimbabwean clubs become more professional, sustainable, and competitive.

ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi described the initiative as a defining moment for local football, stressing that success on the field starts with sound management structures. “This is a watershed moment,” Magwizi said.

“We are not here for just another workshop, but to shape the future of Zimbabwean football. Success on the pitch is planned and deliberate. We want club leaders who are well capacitated because good planning helps players thrive.”

FIFA officials also applauded ZIFA’s commitment to education and professional development within the game, emphasising that the growth of clubs depends heavily on well-trained administrators.

“We want to commend your mother body for making capacity building a priority,” said FIFA’s Davis Fani. “When we last visited, there was already a strong commitment to train administrators. We’re happy to see that realised, and as FIFA, we aim to help clubs manage themselves better to achieve long-term success.”

The course represents more than just a training workshop, it’s a vision for the future. It’s about redefining how Zimbabwean football clubs operate, ensuring they meet international standards in management, accountability, and professionalism.

With more capacity-building programmes already lined up for November, ZIFA says this is only the beginning of a broader effort to raise the bar for football administration across the country. If successfully implemented, these reforms could help create stable, well-run clubs capable of competing not just domestically, but also on the continental stage.

Zimbabwe continues its journey towards football reform and professionalisation, and this initiative could well be remembered as the turning point that set the local game on a path to long-term growth and global recognition.

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PSL Hails 25 000 Fans for Electrifying Dynamos FC vs CAPS United FC Clash

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PSL Hails 25 000 Fans for Electrifying Dynamos FC vs CAPS United FC Clash
Yesterday More Than 25 000 Attended Harare Derby: Photo Credit Takudzwa Karowangoro

The Premier Soccer League Zimbabwe has praised football fans and stakeholders for their continued support of local football, following the successful hosting of the Harare Derby between Dynamos FC and CAPS United FC at the weekend.

In a statement, the PSL expressed gratitude to supporters across the country for the passion and commitment they have shown since the start of the season, highlighting the electric atmosphere witnessed during Sunday’s derby encounter in Harare.

“We would like to express our sincere appreciation to football fans across the country for the passionate support they have shown to their respective teams since the start of the season,” the statement said.

The PSL said the Harare Derby was made memorable by the overwhelming turnout and cooperation from various stakeholders involved in organising the match.

“In particular, we thank all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the Harare Derby between Dynamos FC and Caps United FC this past Sunday, making it a truly special occasion,” the PSL said.

According to the league, more than 25 000 paying fans attended the highly anticipated clash, creating an exciting atmosphere that reflected the growing enthusiasm surrounding domestic football.

“More than 25,000 paying fans created an incredible atmosphere, once again demonstrating the power, passion and unity of our football family,” the PSL said.

The league also acknowledged the role played by its commercial partners, clubs and other stakeholders in ensuring smooth matchday operations throughout the season.

“We also extend our gratitude to our valued partners for their continued support of football and commend the efforts by the clubs and stakeholders, working closely with the PSL, to ensure every matchday is successfully organised,” the statement said.

The PSL reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safe and enjoyable matchday experiences for supporters while protecting the image of local football.

“We remain committed to providing a safe, secure and enjoyable matchday environment that protects the reputation of our clubs and the game as a whole,” the PSL added.

However, the league raised concern over incidents of missile throwing and other forms of misconduct by some supporters, warning that such behaviour damages the image of the sport and places financial strain on clubs.

“At the same time, we urge all supporters to refrain from missile throwing and any other forms of misconduct. Such behaviour creates unnecessary negative attention, places a significant financial burden on clubs, and takes away from the positive spirit of the game,” the PSL said.

The league called on supporters to promote responsible behaviour and report any unethical conduct during matches.

“Let us all continue to play our part by reporting bad behaviour or unethical conduct whenever we see it, while supporting our teams in a responsible and respectful manner,” the PSL said.

The statement concluded with a rallying call for fans to continue supporting local football and filling stadiums across the country.

“Keep bringing the energy, keep supporting football, and keep filling our stadiums as we continue building something special together.”

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Highlanders in Chaos: Players Stage Strike Over Unpaid Salaries as Club Crumbles

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Highlanders in Chaos: Players Stage Strike Over Unpaid Salaries as Club Crumbles

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – The once-mighty Highlanders Football Club has been plunged into a fresh abyss of turmoil, as players staged a dramatic protest over unpaid salaries, effectively sabotaging crucial preparations at a pivotal stage of the season. This latest act of defiance exposes a deepening crisis at Bosso, painting a grim picture of mismanagement and neglect that threatens to derail the club entirely.

According to a damning report by The Chronicle, the entire Highlanders squad reported for training on Wednesday but defiantly refused to participate in the session. Instead, they opted for a coordinated sit-in, a stark and public display of their profound frustration over outstanding wages. This is not merely a minor grievance; it is a symptom of a systemic failure.

This incident is far from isolated. It marks a continuation of a festering crisis that has gripped the Bulawayo giants. It is understood that not only the players, but also members of the technical team and even office staff, are owed at least two months’ salaries. Such chronic financial instability is utterly unacceptable for a club of Highlanders’ stature and history.

The Chronicle further reveals that this ongoing standoff has utterly decimated morale within the camp. The squad, once a symbol of Bulawayo pride, is now a hotbed of discontent, their patience worn thin by repeated delays in payment. How can a team be expected to perform when its basic needs are ignored, and its professionals are treated with such disdain?

Predictably, this internal chaos has translated directly onto the pitch. Highlanders have endured an abysmal start to the current campaign, managing a solitary win in their opening ten matches, with the majority ending in frustrating draws. This dismal performance is not merely bad luck; it is a direct consequence of a leadership vacuum and a blatant disregard for player welfare.

As the Bulawayo giants limp towards their Sunday fixture against Triangle United, one must ask: What hope is there for a positive result when the very foundation of the team – its players – are in open revolt? The Highlanders faithful deserve answers.

They deserve accountability. This club, a national institution, is being systematically destroyed by those entrusted with its care.

The time for platitudes is over; urgent and decisive action is needed to rescue Bosso from the brink.

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Ferguson Hospitalised as Manchester United Edge Liverpool FC in 3-2 Thriller

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Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital after feeling unwell at Old Trafford shortly before the club’s match against Liverpool FC.

Sources at the club said the move was purely precautionary and not an emergency.

Ferguson was taken from the stadium by ambulance, and officials remain optimistic that he will recover quickly and return home soon.

Despite the concern surrounding Ferguson, Manchester United delivered an exciting performance on the pitch, defeating Liverpool 3-2 in a dramatic English Premier League clash.

Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo played a key role in the victory, scoring crucial goals that helped secure the win. The result also confirmed Manchester United’s qualification for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season.

Under the guidance of new coach Michael Carrick, United have shown remarkable improvement.

Since taking charge, Carrick has led the team to victories over several top sides, including Manchester City, Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, and Aston Villa.

The win over Liverpool adds to a growing list of impressive results, raising hopes among fans that Manchester United are returning to their former glory.

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