Harare, (New Ziana) – As part of efforts to enhance support for national teams travelling abroad, and broaden the country’s search for Zimbabwean football talent worldwide, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is seeking to strengthen its engagement with Zimbabwe’s embassies, consulates and diaspora communities.
According to ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi, such engagements have the potential to create linkages through which national team players can be identified, engaged and connected to the Association’s technical structures.
“This approach fits into Dream 2030, which seeks to create a clear football pathway from grassroots development through junior national teams and ultimately to the senior Warriors and Mighty Warriors. Rather than relying only on talent that is immediately visible within Zimbabwe, we want national team selection to draw from the widest possible pool of eligible Zimbabwean players.
“Our cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade therefore extends beyond travel arrangements as it forms part of a wider effort to use strategic partnerships across Government and other institutions to support the development and international competitiveness of Zimbabwean football,” he said.
As Zimbabwe’s national teams prepare for another programme of international assignments, Magwizi said ZIFA would continue working with the Ministry and the country’s diplomatic missions to ensure the teams receive adequate support while also creating new opportunities to identify Zimbabwean football talent around the world.
“The ultimate goal is simple: wherever Zimbabwean football talent may be found, it should have a pathway into the national system and an opportunity to contribute towards the country’s Dream 2030 ambitions.
“We are also grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for the assistance it has extended to Zimbabwe’s national teams during previous international assignments as we seek to continue engaging whenever we have upcoming tours. Closer cooperation with the Ministry can make travelling and representing the country smoother for the various national teams,” he said.
With Zimbabwean teams regularly travelling across Africa and beyond for international competitions, ZIFA has benefited from support provided through embassies and other diplomatic channels, including assistance with coordination and logistics, engagement with authorities and facilitating interaction with Zimbabwean communities in host countries.
Zimbabwe has a growing pool of players in the diaspora, including young footballers developing their careers in academies and professional environments across Europe, North America, Africa and other parts of the world.
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