Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Lieutenant General (Rtd) Ambassador Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe says Zimbabwe’s hosting of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Elective Annual General Assembly reflects growing regional and continental confidence in the country’s football administration and broader re-engagement efforts.
Addressing delegates at the COSAFA Congress in Harare yesterday, Minister Sanyatwe said the country was honoured to host the regional football gathering, describing the event as a significant endorsement of Zimbabwean football’s renewed direction.
“We are deeply honoured as a nation, that Zimbabwe has once again been entrusted with hosting such a significant event on the COSAFA calendar.
“Your presence here is not only a reflection of the enduring bonds that unite us as a region, but also a strong confirmation of the growing confidence being restored in Zimbabwean football,” he added.
The minister said football remained a powerful tool for unity and regional integration, adding that Zimbabwe viewed sport as an important pillar in its engagement and re-engagement agenda.
“Football remains one of the most powerful instruments of unity internationally. It cuts across borders, cultures, languages and generations. Football inspires hope, nurture identity, instils pride and creates opportunity,” he said.
“Zimbabwe continues on a deliberate journey of engagement and re-engagement with the regional, continental and international community. Sport, and football in particular, occupies an important place in that national trajectory of soft diplomacy.”
Minister Sanyatwe said Zimbabwe’s successful hosting of continental and regional football events in recent years demonstrates increasing trust from football authorities.
“In recent times, our country has successfully hosted the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals, COSAFA competitions and now this important COSAFA Congress. Ladies and gentlemen, this is indeed a clear vote of confidence in Zimbabwe, in ZIFA and in the renewed direction of our football,” he said.
The minister also revealed Government’s commitment to football development through infrastructure rehabilitation and grassroots support initiatives championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Football is an industry, a vehicle for social cohesion, youth empowerment, employment creation, discipline, national pride and economic opportunity.
In that regard, he championed and secured unprecedented sponsorship for the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup. The tournament shall allow participation of both genders and includes teams from community level to the premier soccer league,” he added.
He pledged Government’s support in improving football development while respecting the autonomy of the game.
Minister Sanyatwe also commended the leadership of the Zimbabwe Football Association under President Nqobile Magwizi for implementing reforms aimed at restoring professionalism, accountability and transparency within local football administration.
“Since assuming office, the current ZIFA leadership has undertaken important steps aimed at restoring confidence, strengthening governance, entrenching professionalism in football administration and reconnecting Zimbabwean football with both the region and the continent at large,” he said.
Council of Southern Africa Football Associations is the regional football body under the Confederation of African Football responsible for promoting and developing football across Southern Africa.
Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified efforts to restore international confidence in local football following reforms within ZIFA and renewed engagement with continental football structures.
