Launch of the FIFA/CIES International Programme in Zimbabwe
Midlands State University (MSU), the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) officially launched the first edition of the FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management in Zimbabwe.
The ceremony was attended by around one hundred participants, including Emily Jesaya, Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Nqobile Magwisi, President of ZIFA, Dr Terence Mashingaidze, Director of the MSU campus in Harare, David Fani, representative of the FIFA Regional Office in South Africa, Marlene Gadzirayi, CEO of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, Vincent Monnier, Head of the FIFA/CIES International University Network and Brightwell Kadenge, the new Local CIES Coordinator, as well as numerous representatives from government bodies, sports organisations and the media.
During the first part of the event, each of the speakers emphasised the importance of the MSU/ZIFA/FIFA/CIES International Programme for training sports managers in Zimbabwe, who are faced with a constantly changing environment and ever-increasing challenges.
In this regard, Nqobile Magwisi, President of ZIFA, said, "The launch of the MSU/ZIFA/FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to professionalize football administration in Zimbabwe. This Programme speaks directly to our vision of building strong, competent, and ethical sports leaders who can effectively manage the game at all levels. Through this strategic partnership with Midlands State University and CIES, we are investing in human capital development, which is the backbone of sustainable football growth. We are confident that graduates of this Programme will contribute meaningfully to improved governance, administration and overall competitiveness of football in Zimbabwe and the region.”
In his message, Prof Mcebisi Mapzhosa, Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Administration, emphasized that, "This partnership shows our commitment to excellence, innovation, and global engagement. It brings together academic rigour, and international best practice to develop highly skilled sports administrators who can contribute meaningfully to the professionalisation and growth of sport in Zimbabwe, the region and beyond. We are proud to partner with ZIFA and CIES in building local capacity through a globally recognised programme that aligns sport, education and sustainable development.”
In the second part of the ceremony, Prof. Thomas Marambanyika, Director of the Programme, provided information on various aspects of the course and then participated in a panel discussion during which representatives from the three partner institutions answered questions from the audience. Finally, several former students of the Programme in South Africa spoke about their excellent experience during their studies and the importance of this training for their professional careers.
The Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture brought the event to a close in her capacity as guest of honour.
On behalf of CIES, Secretary General Vincent Schatzmann welcomed this new partnership. He said, "Thanks to a collaboration with Midlands State University (MSU) and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), the FIFA/CIES International University Network now has a 21st education programme, which will be held for the first time in Zimbabwe. We have certainly come a long way since the creation of this International Programme in 2004. This cooperation between CIES, MSU and ZIFA will enable sport, and particularly football administration managers in Zimbabwe, to acquire new theoretical and practical tools tailored to their environment and needs, enabling them to manage their sports organisations more effectively. This is the main objective of the FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management, which is organised in collaboration with our local partners”.
The first edition of the new MSU/ZIFA/FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management will begin on 20th April 2026.
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