Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on Thursday convened a workshop on Club Licensing Regulations for clubs earmarked for competition in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League next season.
Held in Harare, the workshop brought together club executives, administrators and football regulators for a full day of learning, alignment and dialogue on the future of domestic football and marked an important step in ZIFA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen standards across the league.
In a statement, ZIFA said club licensing has become a central pillar of football development worldwide because it encourages clubs to operate as professional, well-governed and financially responsible organisations.
“For Zimbabwe, the exercise is important as the nation seeks to build stronger institutions, restore confidence in the football ecosystem, and elevate the quality of the game at all levels,” it said.
“The 2026 regulations reflect updated expectations around sporting, administrative, legal, financial, and infrastructure benchmarks that clubs must meet to participate in organised competitions,” it added.
ZIFA vice president Kenny Ndebele emphasised that club licensing has become a compliance obligation, whose process is transformational.
“Club licensing is the foundation upon which sustainable football is built. It allows us to protect the game, safeguard our clubs, and ensure that players operate in environments that are organised, safe, and professional. This workshop is a chance for all of us to understand what is required and to commit to working together to uplift Zimbabwean football,” he told participants.
Chairpersons of the Appeals Body and the First Instance Body, as well as the ZIFA Club Licensing Manager, delivered technical presentations outlining the new provisions of the 2026 regulations and provided a detailed review of the mandatory requirements that clubs should satisfy.
Participants engaged on issues such as governance structures, youth development, facility standards, financial reporting and the safeguarding of players and officials.
“Our goal is to guide and empower clubs as they work towards meeting the standards. Club licensing is not intended to exclude but to elevate. When clubs are properly structured, the benefits flow to the entire football community. We want Zimbabwean clubs to be competitive in the region and on the continent, and that starts with strong internal systems,” ZIFA Club Licensing Manager Simbarashe Gochera said.
The workshop served as a clear signal of ZIFA’s determination to foster a more professional and accountable football environment.
As Zimbabwe prepares for important regional and international competitions in the coming years, strong club structures will be essential for producing well-developed players and sustaining competitive teams.
New Ziana
