ZIFA Intensifies War on Match Fixing with National Ethics Drive

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has launched a nationwide ethics and integrity campaign aimed at tackling match fixing and restoring public confidence in the local game.

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi said the initiative, which includes a series of workshops across all regions, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen professionalism and accountability within football structures.

Magwizi said the association is focusing on education rather than punishment, ensuring that players, coaches and referees understand the long term damage caused when integrity is compromised.

“Prevention is always better than punishment. We are rolling out ethics and integrity workshops across all regions to make sure everyone in football understands what is at stake when integrity is lost,” Magwizi said.

He emphasised that the fight against corruption in football cannot be won by ZIFA alone, urging clubs, officials, fans and the media to take shared responsibility in protecting the sport.

“Every club must take responsibility. Leaders must uphold ethics, promote transparency and reject manipulation,” Magwizi said. “Coaches should select players on merit, referees must treat fairness as a mark of professionalism, and fans and journalists should continue to demand clean football.”

Magwizi said that beyond rules and regulations, the sport requires a moral awakening built on honesty, fairness and respect.

“No amount of regulation can replace character,” he said. “What we need is a football culture that values integrity over influence and effort over shortcuts.”

He called on all stakeholders, from administrators to supporters, to reflect on the legacy they want to leave behind, saying the goal is to build a Zimbabwean game defined by fair play, professionalism and national pride.

“Let this be our turning point. Let every whistle blow for fairness, every victory come from merit, and every young player believe their talent can take them as far as their dreams allow,” Magwizi said.

He added that ZIFA remains committed to creating a professional, transparent and sustainable football environment.

“Together, we can rebuild Zimbabwean football into a beacon of integrity and excellence for Africa,” Magwizi said. “The truest victory is not written on the scoreboard, it lies in the redemption of our game’s soul.”