Faith Ndou
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Vice President Kennedy Ndebele has urged football clubs, coaches and administrators to work together in safeguarding sponsorship within the country’s football structures, stressing that professionalism and discipline is essential in retaining corporate partners.
Speaking at the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League Soccer Stars Awards held recently at the Crocodile Motel in Rusape, Ndebele said sponsorship remained scarce in Zimbabwean football and must therefore be protected and valued.
“Sponsorship in football is rare and must be protected. It’s not just ZIFA’s duty to maintain it. Clubs and their leadership must act professionally and coaches must instill discipline,” he said.
He applauded Pacific Storm Cigarette Company for partnering the Eastern Region Soccer League describing the sponsorship as a significant investment in the development of football in the region.
“We are happy to have partners like Pacific Storm Cigarette Company who are willing to support football development. The support is welcome and commendable, and we hope Eastern Region and its provinces will not only benefit but produce more products that encourage further sponsorship,” he added.
Ndebele reaffirmed ZIFA’s commitment to grassroots development, noting that the association is restructuring junior leagues and provincial football systems with an ambitious long-term vision.
“ZIFA remains focused on development, restructuring of junior leagues and provinces with the vision that by 2027, Zimbabwe might qualify for AFCON starting from the U13s,” he said.
He also expressed pride in the growing number of FIFA-accredited referees coming from Zimbabwe together with their strong performances on the international stage.
“We are proud of the number of FIFA-accredited referees we have and their excellent performance. Our goal is to continue developing and producing more young referees.”
Ndebele emphasised that the development of football from area zones, districts, provinces and regions remains a national priority. He called for cooperation between ZIFA, local authorities and community stakeholders to revive recreational spaces that have fallen into disrepair.
“As Zimbabwe Football Association, we want to develop football from area zones, districts and provinces including regions. Partners, stakeholders and local authorities must come on board because in some areas, recreational spaces, stadiums and grounds are no longer maintained.”
Ndebele stressed that improved facilities and sustained partnerships would support football growth from community level up to the national teams.
He concluded by urging the Eastern Region Soccer League to guard its sponsorship jealously and continue fostering an environment that encourages long-term investment in the sport.
