By Tapiwa chawasarira
A new chapter unfolds for Zimbabwean football as Nqobile Magwizi takes the reins as the new president of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA). With the beautiful game at a crossroads, Magwizi’s appointment has sparked widespread optimism, as fans and stakeholders eagerly await the dawn of a new era. As the country’s football fraternity looks to the future, Magwizi’s vision, passion, and expertise are poised to be the catalyst for transformation and success.
At 45, Magwizi brings a wealth of experience to the table, having made significant contributions to the strategic direction of Zimbabwean sports. As a respected businessman with a diverse portfolio of interests across Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African region, Magwizi has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth, foster partnerships, and promote development.
Magwizi’s love affair with football is well-documented. He has been instrumental in securing and implementing significant sponsorship deals for top Zimbabwean clubs, including Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC. His efforts have not only boosted the financial positions of these clubs but have also contributed to the growth of grassroots football development.
One of Magwizi’s most notable achievements was spearheading Sakunda Holdings’ sponsorship of 40,000 liters of fuel per month to Highlanders FC from 2016 to 2019. He also played a pivotal role in structuring and securing a USD 5 million sponsorship for the same club from 2021 to 2024.
Magwizi’s commitment to promoting and developing Zimbabwean football extends beyond the top-tier clubs. He has worked tirelessly to promote and organize junior football tournaments, creating opportunities for young talent to showcase their skills and develop professionally.
As the new president of ZIFA, Magwizi faces a daunting task. Zimbabwean football has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including funding shortages, poor infrastructure, and a lack of international competitiveness.
However, with his proven track record, passion for the sport, and commitment to development, Magwizi is well-equipped to tackle these challenges head-on. As he embarks on this new chapter, Zimbabwean football fans will be eagerly watching to see the impact he will make.
In a statement, Magwizi expressed his gratitude to the ZIFA membership for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the organization. “I am honored and humbled by the confidence placed in me,” he said. “I pledge to work tirelessly to promote and develop Zimbabwean football, ensuring that our beautiful game continues to thrive and inspire future generations.”
Local football enthusiasts have welcomed Magwizi’s appointment, expressing optimism about the future of Zimbabwean football. “Football is a proven unifying factor, and we hope that Magwizi’s contributions will take our football to the next level,” said Mr. Karimahanga, a church leader with a strong bias towards youth empowerment.
Mr. Karimahanga emphasized the importance of nurturing Christian leagues, citing their potential to positively impact young lives. “We envision a vibrant Christian soccer league ecosystem, but unfortunately, we’re facing significant challenges due to limited support and sponsorship,” he noted. “We earnestly hope that the new ZIFA President, Nqobile Magwizi, will recognize the value of investing in Christian soccer leagues as a strategic initiative to combat idleness and promote wholesome engagement among youth. By channeling funds towards this cause, we can empower our young people to become productive, focused, and purpose-driven individuals, thereby reducing the likelihood of them succumbing to negative influences.”
With Magwizi at the helm, Zimbabwean football is poised for a bright and exciting future. As he sets out to revitalize the sport, fans can expect a renewed focus on development, growth, and international competitiveness.
The question on everyone’s lips is: what’s next for Zimbabwean football under Magwizi’s leadership? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the future of Zimbabwean football has never looked brighter.
