The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has once again turned its Village into a centre of knowledge-sharing and development as the ZIFA Administrators Course gets underway, drawing football leaders from across the country.
The programme, led by experienced football administrator Archford Mamelodi, has attracted a wide range of participants representing various tiers of Zimbabwean football. Attendees include officials from top-flight clubs, academies, development structures, schools and the Premier Soccer League, highlighting the course’s inclusive approach to strengthening the game.
Notable figures in attendance include Premier Soccer League Chief Executive Officer Rodwell Thabe and former ZIFA Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Manwa, reflecting the growing emphasis on continuous professional development within football administration.
Unlike traditional classroom-based learning, the course is heavily focused on practical application. Participants are engaging in both individual and group assignments designed to simulate real-life administrative challenges, while interactive sessions are fostering dialogue and the sharing of experiences across different football sectors.
Mamelodi emphasized that the initiative goes beyond theoretical instruction, aiming to cultivate a new generation of competent administrators capable of driving the game forward.
“This programme is not just about learning concepts, but about equipping administrators with the skills to effectively manage football institutions in a sustainable and professional manner,” he said.
ZIFA Acting General Secretary Norman Gwangwadza reinforced the importance of administrative development, noting that strong leadership off the pitch is essential for the sport’s growth.
“While players and coaches are vital, it is solid administration that ensures everything functions properly. Building knowledgeable and ethical administrators is key to the success of football at all levels,” said Gwangwadza.
The course underscores a broader shift in focus within Zimbabwean football, where governance, planning and management are increasingly recognised as critical to long-term success.
By bringing together administrators from diverse backgrounds, the initiative is also promoting consistency in standards and best practices across the football landscape. This is expected to improve how competitions are run, enhance talent development pathways and strengthen institutional accountability.
As the training continues, the message from ZIFA remains clear: developing capable administrators is essential to building a more structured, professional and sustainable future for Zimbabwean football.
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