ZIFA's Expansion Plans Are a Dangerous Distraction from Zimbabwe's Football Collapse

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has proposed expanding the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) from 18 to 20 teams next season - a move that feels dangerously out of touch with Zimbabwe's economic crisis and the crumbling state of our football system.

In a letter dated 10 November to acting PSL CEO Rodwell Thabe, ZIFA Secretary-General Yvonne Manwa claimed the expansion would "align with international trends" and boost the league's commercial appeal. The proposal also includes replacing the four regional Division One leagues with a single National Division One League, supposedly to streamline development.

But this is not the time for cosmetic reforms. Zimbabwean football is collapsing - financially, structurally, and morally. Most PSL clubs are already struggling to fulfil fixtures due to lack of funding. Expanding the league will only increase travel, accommodation, and logistics costs - expenses many clubs simply cannot afford.

Even giants like Highlanders and Dynamos survive on donations and goodwill. If that dries up, these historic institutions could vanish. Only clubs backed by wealthy owners or corporations will survive, turning the league into a playground for the rich. Without financial safeguards, Zimbabwean football risks becoming a corrupt, uneven battlefield dominated by "sugar daddy" clubs, where fairness and competition are sacrificed for money.

ZIFA's talk of introducing VAR technology is equally delusional. The association can't even provide enough cameras to cover a single match properly. VAR requires at least 15 cameras per game - some leagues use over 30. In Zimbabwe, most matches are filmed from one angle, missing key moments. How can we talk about VAR when we lack even basic broadcasting infrastructure?

Meanwhile, the stadium crisis remains unresolved. CAF and FIFA have condemned many local grounds as unfit for international football. The national team continues to play “home” matches in South Africa - a national embarrassment. Instead of fantasizing about European-style leagues, ZIFA should focus on rebuilding stadiums, fixing drainage systems, and restoring football facilities. During the rainy season, waterlogged pitches lead to cancelled matches and empty stands. How can a league expand when we don't even have enough playable grounds?

The proposed National Division One League is equally flawed. Many lower-tier clubs can't complete fixtures in their current regional setups. Expecting them to travel from Binga to Mutare or Triangle is unrealistic. ZPC Hwange, despite being backed by ZESA, declined promotion due to financial strain. Yet ZIFA allowed their franchise to be sold to MWOS - a Northern Region team that failed to earn promotion on merit. That decision alone exposed ZIFA's disregard for fairness and regional balance.

If a national Division One league is formed, Harare-based teams and sponsors will dominate. Rural clubs from Tsholotsho, Silobela, Muzarabani, and Rusape will vanish. Football development outside Harare will die.

Even in better-resourced countries, smaller leagues work best. South Africa has 16 professional teams and three domestic cups. Botswana: 16 teams. Zambia: 18 - and even they're considering downsizing. Yet Zimbabwe, with no sponsorship, poor infrastructure, and an unstable economy, wants 20? It's a dangerous fantasy.

ZIFA should focus on:
- Rebuilding stadiums to meet CAF and FIFA standards  
- Restoring football academies to nurture young talent  
- Bringing international football back home  
- Reviving domestic cups like the ZIFA Cup to boost competition and fan engagement  

Until these foundations are rebuilt, talk of expansion is empty rhetoric. The new ZIFA board must learn to chew before they swallow. Zimbabwean football doesn't need more teams - it needs vision, accountability, and stability.

- #ezratshisa4life