THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to strengthen theimplementation of grassroots football nationwide.
The letter of intent was signed in Harare yesterday.
Primary and Secondary Education secretary, Moses Mhike, endorsed the partnership, hailing it as the genesis of football growth in the country.
“This partnership represents a new chapter for school sport in Zimbabwe,” Mhike said.
He said the spirit of representation germinates from schools to the national level.
Mhike emphasised the holistic impact of the collaboration.
“By embedding football within our schools, we are nurturing not only future athletes but responsible citizens who understand the values of teamwork, discipline, and national pride,” he said.
“Education is not only about academics; it is about developing the whole person – and sport is a vital part of that journey.”
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Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi described the MoU as the bedrock of long-term youth development and a vanguard for the career paths of young players.
“Schools are the heartbeat of our football ecosystem. Every great player begins somewhere – often on a dusty school pitch," Magwizi said.
“This collaboration will ensure that no talent goes unnoticed, that our coaches and referees are properly equipped, and that our young players are nurtured in environments that are safe, inclusive, and structured. It’s an investment in the future of our game and our nation.”
Zifa secretary-general, Yvonne Mapika Manwa, who also attended the signing ceremony, noted that the cooperation will extend beyond the football industry to community development and youth empowerment.
“When we invest in school football, we invest in education, health, and social development. This MoU captures that holistic approach to nation-building through sport,” she said.
The signing is a fulfillment of the Zifa president's core grassroots football initiative.
