HARARE — Zimbabwe’s football development structures need sustained investment in grassroots competitions if the country is to build a strong pipeline of talent capable of feeding Premier Soccer League clubs and the national teams, ZIFA officials have said.
The call came during the Northern Region Area Zones Chairman’s Cup held at Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield, where 12 teams from different area zones competed for honours while providing young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
ZIFA CEO Yvone Manwa said grassroots competitions were an important starting point for identifying players who could progress through the football development structures.
“We are excited as ZIFA when we come to functions like this where we see grassroots football happening on the ground. We have about 12 teams from different areas, and we are excited that we might pick one or two players who will go up the structures,” said Manwa.
She said the communities remained an important source of talent for Zimbabwean football.
“This is where players come from so that they get into PSL teams, and some get as far as the national teams. It is important that football is played right here in the communities.”
Northern Region Area Zones secretary Umali Madi said the tournament created valuable exposure for young players who might otherwise struggle to attract the attention of scouts.
“This tournament brings exposure to our juniors as they get a chance to showcase their talent,” said Madi.
Highfield Area Zone chairman Prosper Kadewere urged the players to remain disciplined and committed as they pursue their football ambitions.
“It is only with discipline, dedication and determination that you will prosper in your career. If you follow these three Ds, you will definitely prosper,” said Kadewere.
Highfield Area Zone coach Zirata also praised the organisers, saying tournaments of this nature were essential in giving young players competitive experience and opportunities to demonstrate their abilities before football development stakeholders.
He said regular competition could help youngsters improve their game while increasing their chances of being identified by scouts and other football development structures.
Norton coach, whose side went on to win the tournament, attributed the triumph to God while challenging football authorities to address concerns surrounding refereeing standards.
He nevertheless praised his players for maintaining their focus despite the challenges they faced during the competition.
Highfield Ward 25 councillor Jane Bhingari encouraged more young people in the community to take up football, saying sport could play a role in keeping youths away from drug and substance abuse.
“I have seen that the players were youngsters and there were so many of them. I am encouraging all the youth who are not playing soccer to come and play soccer with others,” said Bhingari.
She said football could give young people something constructive to occupy their time while helping them develop their talents.
“This will help them to have something to do so that they will not be involved in substance abuse. I am happy that, as Highfield, we emerged as number two, but as a mother I support every child,” she said.
The Chairman’s Cup brought together 12 area-zone teams, with Norton emerging champions after beating Highfield 1-0 in the final.
Highfield finished runners-up, while Emmanuel Munjonjo was named Player of the Tournament.
Beyond the final result, the competition highlighted the importance of strengthening community football as a foundation for identifying, developing and nurturing Zimbabwe’s next generation of football talent.
