By Dickson Bandera
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced two international friendly matches for the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team, the Warriors, signaling a fresh chapter in the country’s football revival.
The Warriors are set to face Burkina Faso on 6 June 2025 and Niger on 10 June 2025 in Casablanca, Morocco, as part of their preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Later in the year, Zimbabwe will continue its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with crucial matches scheduled for September and October. The Warriors will take on Benin on September 1, Rwanda on September 8, South Africa on October 6, and Lesotho on October 13.
For the AFCON 2025 finals, set to be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, Zimbabwe has been drawn into Group B, alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Angola.
Football action is rebouncing after years of turbulence, including a damaging suspension by FIFA due to government interference and chronic administrative dysfunction within ZIFA. Zimbabwe was barred from all international football activities in 2022 after the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) dismissed the ZIFA board over allegations of corruption and mismanagement—triggering a violation of FIFA statutes on third-party interference.
The ban did not only deprived the Warriors of crucial match experience but also derailed development across all levels of the sport.
But the tide is now turning. Under the stewardship of ZIFA’s new leadership, led by Nqobile Magwizi—recently elevated to the top echelons of the association—Zimbabwean football is experiencing a renewed sense of purpose and professionalism.
Magwizi, a respected figure in sports administration with a background in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, is being credited with injecting fresh energy and vision into ZIFA.
Many believe that Magwizi’s pragmatic leadership and ability to engage with international bodies can help rebuild trust and position Zimbabwe as a competitive force in African football.
The recent appointment of a substantive coach as well as the administration of the World Cup qualifiers have injected hope as the new leadership appears to be organised and committed to do things differently.
According to ZIFA, Head coach Michael Nees and his technical team are expected to use the matches to evaluate player readiness, test combinations, and build team cohesion. Burkina Faso and Niger are seen as strong opponents that will offer valuable insight into the team’s progress as they prepare for qualifiers and future tournaments.
The Warriors’ return to the pitch under improved structures and renewed leadership offers hope not only to players and coaches but also to millions of fans yearning for Zimbabwean football’s renaissance.
With Magwizi at the helm and the steps taken so far, the future of Zimbabwean football finally looks promising.
