By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – 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
