ZIFA launches nationwide coach and referee training

Zimbabwe's grassroots football is set for a major boost following the Zimbabwe Football Association's (ZIFA) decision to roll out referee and coach training at school level across the country.

The initiative forms part of the US$200 000 BancABC Roots Impact programme, launched in Harare two weeks ago, which aims to develop Under-14 and Under-16 boys' and girls' teams from all provinces through a structured junior football league.

Matches will begin at zonal level before provincial teams are selected to compete nationally, ensuring football is played year-round at grassroots level.

Historically, a lack of trained personnel has hindered talent development, with school coaches and referees often drawn from teachers who lack formal football training. ZIFA's new programme seeks to address this gap by providing nationwide technical training to school authorities, equipping them to nurture young players effectively.

"As ZIFA, we are fully aware of the deficiencies at elementary and school levels when it comes to football development," said a ZIFA statement.

"We applaud teachers and educationists who have ensured that football is played in schools. Their passion has been unparalleled, producing many national team players. However, to implement our vision fully, we also need to train referees and coaches, and we will be rolling out this training soon across the country."

Cephas Mutumhe, president of the National Association of Primary Headmasters (NAPH), expressed strong support for the initiative.

"We are very excited by this development. ZIFA have answered the questions we have long raised. Training referees and coaches will go a long way in developing youngsters at schools and empower teachers technically. We are ready and eager to participate," he said.

The training programme has been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between ZIFA and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, ensuring coordinated implementation nationwide.

With this initiative, ZIFA hopes to bridge the technical skills gap at grassroots level, unlocking the potential of young talent and creating a sustainable pathway for Zimbabwe's football future.