A New Dawn for Zimbabwean Football: Vision 2034 Begins Now

By Walter Ringers Musanhu

My fellow Zimbabweans, the future of our football is not a distant dream; it is a blueprint we must start building today.

As someone whose heart beats for the development of our national game, from the grassroots of our communities to the academies abroad, I believe we stand at a pivotal moment.

A special and resounding congratulations to SCOTTLAND FC and their visionary leader, Mr Scott Sakupwanya, for their magnificent achievement as the 2025-2026 league champions!

Your triumph is not merely a victory on the pitch, but a testament to what can be accomplished through strategic planning, community investment, and unwavering dedication.

You have set a new benchmark for excellence in Zimbabwean football.

“True champions are not measured by trophies alone, but by the legacy they build and the communities they elevate.” – Walter Musanhu

The victory was forged by a masterful technical unit led by the astute coach Tonderai Ndiraya, whose tactical discipline and wealth of experience provided the strategic foundation for this success.

Alongside his dedicated technical team, they have created a cohesive, resilient, and winning philosophy that is a model we must celebrate and emulate.

But their story, and that of other pioneering clubs, sings a song far louder than a league title.

We are witnessing the beautiful game evolve into a pillar of community strength.

Under the revolutionary leadership of Mr Scott Sakupwanya, SCOTTLAND FC has become a beacon of hope, investing in vital community facilities and a hospital.

This is the gold standard – demonstrating that a football club’s heart should beat in rhythm with the community it serves.

This powerful model is spreading across our nation like a wildfire of hope.

MWOS FC is transforming the football landscape in Norton with their new facility.

HERENTIALS FC, under the steadfast leadership of Mr Innocent Benza, and the legendary CAPS UTD, guided by the experienced Mr Farai Jere, are making bold investments in urban infrastructure.

We also celebrate the rise of Hard Rock FC from Kwekwe, whose promotion to the top-flight under the leadership of Mr Shepherd Chahwanda is accompanied by a stunning state-of-the-art football stadium and hotel complex.

Furthermore, established clubs like FC Platinum and Ngezi Platinum FC continue to transform their communities through massive investments in stadium infrastructure, creating sustainable employment opportunities and making profound social impacts that extend far beyond the pitch.

We must also recognize the crucial role of the Football Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) under the steadfast leadership of their President, Mr Desmond Maringwa.

Their unwavering work in guiding, protecting, and advocating for the rights and welfare of our local players is the bedrock upon which sustainable careers are built.

By ensuring our athletes are protected and their voices heard, FUZ is safeguarding the very talent that makes our game great.

This journey is about more than silverware. It is about building institutions that will outlive us all.

It requires a collective shift in mindset and, above all, patience. We must trust the process of long-term development.

The fruits of a rigorous youth system, like the JADEL FA 10-year plan dedicated to the 2034 World Cup project, may not be visible tomorrow.

But I promise you, the nation will reap the rewards.

This Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP) is an investment in the very soul of our football, coupled with the priceless benefits of cultural exchange and global sports tourism.

Critically, this new dawn must shine for everyone.

The development of women’s football is not an option; it is the bedrock of our national strategy.

Here, leaders like Ms. Kudzi Kadzombe must stand tall for the girl child.

Her mission to champion social welfare and create pathways in women’s football is essential.

We need her to light the way, ensuring every young girl with a dream and a football has a clear, professional path to the highest stage.

Therefore, our call for a strategic overhaul is clear and urgent.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) must now champion the full and unwavering implementation of the FIFA Club Licensing system.

This is the global blueprint for sustainable football nations.

We encourage our new leadership to build their legacy on this single, critical, and achievable goal.

Let us focus on systematic implementation—laying one perfect brick after another—to construct an unshakable foundation.

This mission is non-negotiable.

The framework for our renaissance is clear.

To earn a place in our top-flight, every club must commit to this holistic model:

1. A Detailed 10-Year Strategic Plan: A visionary roadmap for financial and technical growth.

2. A Senior Women’s Team: Mandatory, professional platforms for our phenomenal female athletes.

3. Investment in Youth Development: Junior teams for boys and girls to cultivate our home-grown talent.

4. Financial Transparency: Demonstrable stability to ensure viability and attract serious investment.

This is how we create a virtuous cycle. Strong clubs from all regions will nurture young talent through academies, with institutions like JADEL Football Academy ready to feed the league with world-class players, ultimately strengthening our beloved Warriors.

The vision is clear. We are building a league of community pillars across Zimbabwe, a stage for top-quality football, and a tangible dream for every child from Victoria Falls to Chimanimani. We are planting trees whose shade will shelter future generations.

This is our national project. The time for change is now. Let us all be part of this new era, and we wish every team the very best of luck and success in the upcoming 2026 season.

-Hand in hand, we build the legacy. Brick by brick, we rise to glory.