HARARE – Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi has expressed deep concern over the challenges facing women’s football in the country.
Among the pressing challenges is the poor infrastructure, unplayable pitches, a shortage of footballs and difficulties in covering matchday costs.
Magwizi has vowed to breathe life into women’s football in Zimbabwe, saying, “It’s something that is close to my heart.”
He acknowledged the poor state of playing facilities, saying, “It’s certainly a problem to let women play on substandard pitches.”
He emphasised that he and his executive committee are currently seeking sustainable solutions.
“There is a framework we are working on and finalising to ensure we adequately address the challenges facing women’s football in the country,” he said during an interview on The Couch on ZTN Prime.
“One of our goals is to develop a more robust system that covers all key areas, from infrastructure to resource allocation.
“Women’s football is a crucial area that could define our success or failure, and it’s essential we get it right,” he added.
Magwizi revealed that the committee has been engaging with other football associations to learn from their experiences.
“We’ve visited South Africa to study how SAFA operates. It’s part of our efforts to adopt best practices in addressing issues in women’s football. But we must seek solutions that work for Zimbabwe,” added Magwizi.
Furthermore, he stressed that although they have only been in office for three months, progress is underway.
“We are consulting all relevant stakeholders and finalising the best approach. I assure you, as the executive committee, we are committed to improving women’s football in Zimbabwe.”
Magwizi is optimistic that “In the next five months, we expect to have a streamlined approach to resolving the problems affecting women’s football.
“We’re working on it. This game is close to my heart, and we aim to come up with tangible solutions to make a difference.”
Magwizi’s remarks come shortly after a scheduled match between Herentals Queens and Kwekwe United Queens was cancelled due to a venue crisis.
The initial venue was unavailable, having been booked for other activities, with the alternative one unplayable without marked lines and uncut grass.
