By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe has secured a key seat in continental football leadership following the appointment of Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) President, Desmond Maringwa, as Vice President of the FIFPRO Africa Board.
FIFPRO, the global union representing professional footballers, announced its new Africa leadership with Cameroon’s Geremie Njitap elected President, Botswana’s Kgosana Masaseng as General Secretary, Egypt’s Magdy Abdelghani and Kenya’s Terry Ouko joining as board members.
Maringwa, a former Dynamos midfielder and Warriors international, has been at the helm of FUZ since its formation. His work has focused on protecting players’ rights, improving contracts, and pushing for welfare reforms in Zimbabwean football.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi congratulated Maringwa, saying his election marked recognition of Zimbabwe’s growing influence in continental football structures.
“This appointment speaks to the central role Zimbabwe continues to play in shaping the future of the game through advocacy and leadership,” Magwizi said.
Maringwa’s elevation gives Zimbabwean footballers a stronger voice in FIFPRO Africa, a body tasked with advancing the rights and interests of players across the comtinent.
Established in 1965 and headquartered in the Netherlands, the organisation brings together more than 60 national players’ associations, representing over 65,000 footballers worldwide. Its mandate is to safeguard the rights, welfare, and working conditions of players both during and after their careers.
Through advocacy, negotiations with governing bodies such as FIFA, and initiatives on health, contracts, and gender equality, FIFPRO ensures that the voice of players remains central in global football governance. In Africa, FIFPRO works with regional unions, including Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ), to address player welfare challenges and promote fair standards across the continent.
