By Nqobile Magwizi
When we came into office, one of our key goals was clear: to ensure that Zimbabwe never again misses an opportunity to play during a FIFA international window.
I am pleased to say that in 2025, that commitment has been fully realised.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has ensured that the Warriors remain active and visible throughout the year, taking on quality opposition and building a competitive team capable of representing our country with pride and consistency.
In recent months, our Warriors have faced strong teams such as Burkina Faso and Niger, who are ranked above us, and now Qatar and Algeria, who have both qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
These matches are not coincidental; they are the result of deliberate planning, relationship-building and a shared belief that our national teams deserve to test themselves against the best.
Earlier this year, Zimbabwe fielded two national teams simultaneously during the May FIFA window.
While one squad proudly represented us in the COSAFA Cup in South Africa, another group — composed of a blend of local and foreign-based players — took on Burkina Faso and Niger in international friendlies in Morocco.
This dual engagement showed the world that Zimbabwe is no longer content with sitting out international breaks and we are now a nation that fully utilises every chance to play, compete and grow.
It also demonstrated our growing player depth and the excellent collaboration between our technical teams and the ZIFA administration. The logistical demands of running two teams at once were immense, yet our staff handled it with professionalism and efficiency.
Raising our standards
Our fixtures against Qatar and Algeria represent another significant step forward.
These are nations currently ranked 52nd and 35th in the world, respectively, both already qualified for the next World Cup.
Facing them allows our team to experience world-class football environments, testing our technical and mental levels.
With a new coach at the helm, the best assessment comes in matchday situations, where the technical team can observe players under pressure, thereby gauging how they adapt to different styles of play.
Watching the team perform against Africa’s fourth-ranked side just over a month before the CAF tournament will provide the technical team with valuable insight.
The fusion of local and foreign-based players, which is key to our long-term success, will also take stronger shape as we secure more friendlies and create a consistent rhythm of competition.
While we always look for the best results in all matches, these games are also about raising the bar, learning and building the confidence that we, too, can compete on the global stage.
In football, as in every sport, you only get better by playing, and you improve by playing stronger teams.
Teams gel by spending more time together, learning each other’s strengths, and understanding the coach’s philosophy on and off the pitch.
That is exactly what we are doing with the Warriors: giving them the time, space and opportunity to grow into a formidable unit.
The results will come as we continue to get stronger, more cohesive and more confident with each international engagement.
Investing in continuity and development
This new level of engagement is part of our broader strategic vision to rebuild Zimbabwean football from the ground up.
Our philosophy is simple: Every FIFA window is an opportunity. Every match is a lesson. Every camp is a step towards consistency, unity and excellence.
We are also ensuring that local players gain meaningful international exposure, while our foreign-based stars are given the chance to reconnect with the national setup and share their experience.
This mix will be crucial as we prepare for both the AFCON 2025 and the qualification campaign for the next World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
Restoring pride in the Warriors
I have always believed that the Warriors are a national symbol of hope, resilience and unity. They represent national aspirations.
Each fixture we organise, each camp we hold, is a step towards restoring that pride.
The momentum we have built in 2025 is evidence that when we plan together, work together and dream together, Zimbabwean football can achieve great things.
Our administration remains committed to this path of professionalism, transparency and progress.
I would like to thank our technical teams who keep seeking the winning formula, the players who turn up for each call-up and give their all on the field, the unsung support staff who make sure everything is in place where and when it is needed, and most importantly, the fans, whose unwavering support continues to drive our efforts.
Together, we are proving that Zimbabwe is back on the football map. We will be stronger, better organised and ready to compete.
*Nqobile Magwizi is the president of ZIFA.