CAF Competitions and Zimbabwe's Clubs: Where Do We Stand Today?

Zimbabwean clubs have a long, complex relationship with continental football, marked by moments of promise and extended periods of struggle. For observers tracking African football more broadly, and even those following live football betting odds as part of how they monitor CAF competitions, Zimbabwe's position raises important questions about competitiveness, infrastructure and sustainability. While clubs from North and West Africa have consolidated their dominance in recent years, Zimbabwean teams continue to face structural barriers that limit their ability to progress consistently on the continental stage.

A brief history of Zimbabwe's football

Historically, Zimbabwe has not been absent from CAF competitions. Clubs such as Dynamos, Highlanders and CAPS United have featured in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, sometimes advancing past preliminary rounds and competing credibly against regional opposition. However, regular deep runs have been rare. The gap between Zimbabwean clubs and Africa's elite has widened over time, reflecting broader disparities in funding, administration and professionalisation rather than a lack of footballing talent alone.

One of the most significant challenges lies in qualification itself. Zimbabwean clubs typically enter CAF competitions at the preliminary or first round stages, where the margin for error is minimal. Early draws against well-funded teams from countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Morocco or Tunisia often result in quick exits. This is noticeable in the AFCON 2025 standings, where Zimbabwe is currently bottom of their group, where they were up against Egypt and South Africa, both topping the group. These early eliminations limit exposure, prize money and coefficient points, creating a cycle where clubs struggle to build momentum across multiple seasons.

Factors impacting improvement

Financial constraints are central to this issue. Many Zimbabwean clubs operate on limited budgets, relying heavily on local sponsorships that are vulnerable to economic instability. This affects player retention, squad depth and overall team preparation. While wealthier African clubs, such as those in Saudi Arabia, can recruit internationally and maintain large squads to manage congested fixtures, Zimbabwean teams often face difficult choices between domestic priorities and continental ambition. Travel costs, accommodation and compliance with CAF licensing requirements add further strain, particularly for clubs without strong institutional backing.

Infrastructure also plays a decisive role. CAF standards for stadiums, training facilities and broadcast requirements have become increasingly stringent. Zimbabwean clubs have at times been forced to play “home” matches in neighbouring countries due to stadium compliance issues, removing home advantage and increasing costs. This not only affects performance on the pitch but also weakens fan engagement, which is a critical source of identity and support for clubs competing at the continental level.

How to change it around

Youth development remains one of Zimbabwe's strongest long-term assets. The country continues to produce technically gifted players who attract interest from clubs abroad. However, the domestic system struggles to convert this potential into sustained club success at the CAF level. Early player migration, limited academy funding and inconsistent domestic competition standards mean that clubs rarely benefit from the peak years of their most talented players. As such, strengthening the pathways that allow clubs to retain and develop talent for longer could have a significant impact on continental performance.

Furthermore, administratively, progress has been uneven. Any efforts to professionalise league operations and improve governance have faced setbacks. These setbacks are often linked to broader economic and political challenges. Without a strong domestic foundation, competing effectively across Africa remains an uphill task. Despite these challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic. CAF's ongoing reforms, including changes to competition structures and increased emphasis on club licensing, could incentivise the gradual improvement of Zimbabwean clubs. The regional competition remains an opportunity for Zimbabwean clubs to rebuild credibility, particularly against opponents facing similar constraints.

When assessing where Zimbabwe's clubs stand today, the situation is one of resilience rather than decline. There is still participation in CAF competitions, but progress is constrained by factors beyond just the matchday performance. It's therefore essential to bridge the gap between Africa's leading clubs, but this will require coordinated effort across governance, finance and development. Until then, Zimbabwean clubs will continue to try to turn potential into success in CAF competitions.