ZIFA aims to bid for the Men’s Under 17 AFCON Qualifier Tournament in September 2025 despite FIFA’s venue restrictions. The association plans government consultations to meet FIFA standards and has confirmed participation in the FIFA Series 2026. A nationwide stakeholder engagement program will run from March 3-7, with an EGM scheduled for March 28. Additionally, a FIFA induction program for ZIFA’s executive committee will be held from March 25-28.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced its intention to bid for the right to host the Men’s Under 17 AFCON Qualifier Tournament scheduled for September 2025. This decision was made following an executive committee meeting chaired by ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi. The association believes that hosting the qualifiers from September 4 to 17 will showcase Zimbabwe’s organizational capabilities and football potential. However, FIFA’s recent ban on the country hosting international matches due to inadequate stadium conditions poses a challenge regarding venue selection.
To support this bid, ZIFA plans to consult with the government and relevant ministries, aiming for renovations of match venues to meet FIFA standards. Furthermore, ZIFA confirmed that Zimbabwe would participate in the FIFA Series 2026, which is designed to enhance international exposure for the national teams. An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the ZIFA Assembly has been set for March 28, where additional details will be provided.
In an effort to strengthen relationships with stakeholders, ZIFA will implement a nationwide engagement program from March 3 to 7. This initiative seeks to gather input from various entities to help shape the future direction of Zimbabwean football. Additionally, ZIFA has announced the establishment of different committees aimed at improving governance and operational efficiency, with specific terms of reference to be disclosed later.
To align with global best practices, FIFA will conduct an induction program for the ZIFA Executive Committee from March 25 to 28. This program will be led by FIFA official David Fani along with consultant Stewart Regan, further ensuring that ZIFA operations meet international standards.
In summary, ZIFA is proactively pursuing opportunities to host significant football events, despite infrastructure challenges. Plans to consult the government for necessary venue improvements and engage stakeholders demonstrate a commitment to enhancing Zimbabwean football. The upcoming induction program by FIFA signifies a vital step towards aligning ZIFA with international operational standards, all aimed at improving the nation’s footballing prospects.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
