ZIFA appoints interim CEO

Norman Gwangwadza has been appointed Acting General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), vowing to pursue constructive engagement with all football stakeholders as the association seeks to accelerate the growth of the game in 2026 and beyond.

Gwangwadza, who was serving as ZIFA's finance director before the departure of Yvonne Manwa on December 31 last year, will hold the influential post for the next three months. The role is commonly referred to internationally as General Secretary within football governing bodies such as FIFA, CAF and COSAFA.

A chartered accountant by profession, Gwangwadza steps into the role at what promises to be a demanding period for Zimbabwean football, with a packed calendar of reforms and competitions lined up by the association's leadership.

ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi's executive committee, which marks its first anniversary in office on Sunday following its landmark January 25, 2025 election, has outlined an ambitious agenda. Key priorities include the revival of women's and junior football, strengthening administrative and coaching capacity, the return of the ZIFA Cup, and steering the Warriors towards qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

With extensive corporate experience spanning the health, construction, insurance and finance sectors, including stints at Turnall Holdings, MedSure Health Care and KPMG Chartered Accountants, Gwangwadza says he is determined to make a meaningful contribution to the revival of the national game.

"My appointment as Acting General Secretary of ZIFA is both a great honour and a profound responsibility," Gwangwadza told Zimpapers Sports Hub.

"Football in Zimbabwe is more than a sport — it is a national asset that carries the hopes, pride and identity of our people.

"I approach this role with humility, discipline and a clear understanding that the task ahead is to help restore trust, strengthen systems, and build an association that is professional, transparent and financially sound."

Well aware of the turbulence that has long characterised Zimbabwean football, Gwangwadza believes transformation is possible through open, professional engagement with key stakeholders.

He has called for cooperation from ZIFA members, players, coaches and administrators, stressing that inclusive engagement will be central to his leadership approach.

"To the entire football family — players, coaches, referees, administrators, clubs, fans, sponsors and partners — you will be seeing and engaging with me more regularly as the point person in the day-to-day administration of the game," he said.

"My door will be open, my communication will be clear, and my focus will be on service delivery.

"We must move forward together, guided by integrity, accountability and a shared commitment to grow the game at every level."

Already involved in preparations for the implementation and enforcement of club licensing requirements, Gwangwadza admitted the early days in office have been demanding.

"Coming into the role, the early days have been intense but very instructive," he said.

"Having spent over 20 years in the corporate environment, including listed companies, I am accustomed to structured systems, clear controls, defined accountability and disciplined financial management.

"One of the immediate challenges has been aligning those corporate governance standards with a football ecosystem that has historically operated under pressure, limited resources and high public scrutiny."

He acknowledged the existence of legacy challenges related to processes, documentation and cash-flow management, but expressed confidence they can be addressed.

"The priority is to stabilise the administrative and financial backbone of the association so that football decisions are supported by sound systems rather than constant fire-fighting."

Gwangwadza said he has been encouraged by a renewed willingness across ZIFA structures to embrace reform.

"Football has its own dynamics and emotions, but good governance is universal," he said.

"My role is to apply that discipline while remaining sensitive to the realities of the game, and to ensure that ZIFA is run with the professionalism expected of a national institution."

His experience and emphasis on transparency, accountability and governance are seen as critical assets as ZIFA attempts to turn the page on a chequered past and rebuild credibility within local and international football circles.