Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on Monday hosted an Administrators Course in Harare, bringing together football leaders from across the country in a collective effort to strengthen the game.
The course attracted a diverse group of participants from Zimbabwe’s regions and provinces and was facilitated by seasoned football administrator Archford Mamelodi. Attendees included administrators from elite and grassroots levels, such as clubs, academies, schools, development leagues, and the Premier Soccer League Zimbabwe.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League chief executive officer, Rodwell Thabe and former ZIFA chief executive Yvonne Manwa were among the notable participants, underscoring the importance of continuous learning and professional development across all levels of the game.
Addressing participants, Mamelodi highlighted the significance of the course, noting that the programme had been deliberately structured to combine theoretical knowledge with practical engagement.
“This course was designed to mirror real-world challenges faced by football administrators daily. It is about more than just knowledge transfer and shaping a new generation of football administrators who understand the game, who can plan effectively, and who can run organisations professionally and sustainably. When administrators are strong, the entire football structure benefits,” Mamelodi said.
ZIFA acting general secretary, Norman Gwangwadza said developing capable administrators is central to the association’s broader vision for the game.
“We often focus on players and coaches, which is important, but strong administration is what holds everything together.
“From grassroots football right up to the national teams, we need competent, ethical, and forward-thinking administrators. This course is part of our commitment to building that capacity across the entire football pyramid,” he said.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that the future of Zimbabwean football will not be shaped on the pitch alone, as effective governance, sound planning, and professional management are increasingly viewed as critical pillars in building a competitive and sustainable football ecosystem.
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