FIFA delegation to conduct induction for new ZIFA Board

A FIFA delegation is set to arrive in Zimbabwe tomorrow to conduct an induction programme for the newly elected Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) executive committee. This initiative is aimed at helping the board transition into their roles and equip them with governance skills critical for transforming the football association.

The new ZIFA executive, led by businessman and philanthropist Nqobile Magwizi, is the first elected board since 2018 when Felton Kamambo assumed office. The elections, conducted under the supervision of FIFA, marked the end of the Normalisation Committee's tenure, which had been led by Lincoln Mutasa.

ZIFA president Magwizi expressed anticipation for the visit, noting that the FIFA delegation would focus on governance and operational matters. "We will be receiving members from FIFA who are coming to Zimbabwe to carry out a comprehensive induction of all the executive committee members," he said. "After the induction, we will also hold a strategy session to define a five-year vision, which we hope to present to the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) for sign-off."

The induction will provide much-needed guidance for the executive committee, which includes vice-presidents Kennedy Ndebele and Loveness Mukura, along with board members Kudzai Kadzombe, Alice Zeure, Tafadzwa Benza, Thomas Marambanyika, Brighton Ushendibaba, and Davison Muchena.

The new board faces significant challenges, having inherited an organisation plagued by corruption, boardroom disputes, financial mismanagement, and a tarnished reputation. ZIFA's suspension from FIFA, imposed in 2022 due to governance issues, was only lifted in July 2023 after the establishment of the Normalisation Committee.

Magwizi acknowledged the hurdles but noted that progress was already underway. The board has engaged an independent auditor to assess the association's financial status and ensure a smooth transition. "We've brought in an auditor to do the balances for us, just for the transition," Magwizi said.

Additionally, all members of the executive committee have resigned from their roles in ZIFA's subordinate structures to align with corporate governance requirements. "They are now fully focused on their roles within the executive committee," Magwizi added.

The ZIFA board has planned a meeting to prepare for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) aimed at ratifying key committees, including the standing and electoral committees. These committees will oversee elections for the Premier Soccer League (PSL), the women's football league, and other affiliates.

FIFA has pledged its full support to the new administration. In a message to ZIFA, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom congratulated Magwizi and his team, offering collaboration to promote and develop football in Zimbabwe.

"I am very pleased to extend my warmest congratulations on your recent election as president of the Zimbabwe Football Association," Grafstrom wrote. "Together with the whole FIFA team, we are here for you and remain available to help you implement your vision and strengthen the game at all levels."

The induction programme and subsequent strategy sessions are expected to mark a new chapter for ZIFA, as the organisation seeks to rebuild its structures, credibility, and the overall development of football in Zimbabwe.