31 Jul 2026

The Zimbabwe Football Association
(ZIFA) has taken a significant step toward defining the future of the
country's football by engaging internationally respected football
strategist, Stewart Regan to spearhead consultations that will shape the
association's Strategic Plan for 2027–2030.
Regan, who arrived in Zimbabwe earlier this week, spent the last three
days meeting representatives from across the football fraternity,
government institutions and the business community. The wide-ranging
consultations were intended to gather ideas and recommendations that
will help determine the priorities and direction of Zimbabwean football
over the next four years.
The stakeholder engagement process underscores ZIFA’s determination to
produce a strategy that reflects the views of the football community. By
drawing contributions from all sectors of the game, the association aims
to create a practical and inclusive roadmap for the sustainable growth
of football in Zimbabwe.
The discussions focused on key issues including governance, football
development, competition structures, partnerships with stakeholders and
the strategic priorities required to strengthen the game nationally.
Regan brings extensive experience to the assignment, having previously
served as chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, the
English Football League Championship and Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
He has since established himself as one of the world's leading football
strategy consultants, advising several national football associations on
long-term planning and organizational transformation, including the
Football Association of Ireland.
ZIFA president, Nqobile Magwizi described the strategic planning
exercise as one of the association's most significant undertakings since
the current executive committee assumed office.
“The future of Zimbabwean football cannot be built through assumptions.
It must be informed by the voices of those who live and breathe the game
every day. That is why we have deliberately created a platform where
every key stakeholder has the opportunity to contribute to the direction
of our football.
“Our objective is to produce a practical roadmap that delivers
measurable outcomes. We want a strategy that strengthens governance,
develops talent, improves competitions, grows commercial opportunities
and ultimately positions Zimbabwean football to compete successfully on
the continental and global stage,” he said.
ZIFA chief executive officer, Yvonne Manwa said the consultation process
highlighted the importance of collaboration in building a stronger
football institution.
“The strength of any strategy lies in the quality of the consultation
behind it. Bringing together government, football leadership, business,
the media and every level of the game ensures that the final strategy
reflects both the realities we face and the aspirations we share,” she
said.
The strategic planning initiative came as ZIFA continues implementing
governance reforms, reinforcing football development systems, broadening
grassroots participation and strengthening commercial partnerships.
These efforts form part of the association's long-term ambition to
restore Zimbabwe’s competitiveness on the African stage while
positioning the Warriors and other national teams for sustained
international success.
The contributions collected during the consultation process will now be
analyzed and incorporated into a comprehensive strategic framework that
will guide ZIFA’s policies, investment priorities and operational
activities throughout the 2027–2030 period.
New Ziana