Harare, 27 January 2026 – Midlands State University (MSU) has partnered with the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to launch the elite FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management, elevating the university into a premier hub for sports education in Africa.
This launch at Rainbow Towers in Harare establishes MSU as the fifth university on the continent and the 21st worldwide to host this globally recognised course, dedicated to building professional and institutional capacity in sports management.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Harare Campus Director Dr. T. M. Mashingaidze declared the initiative a regional milestone.
“Modern sport requires ethical leadership, strong governance, and strategic vision,” he stated, affirming the programme will equip administrators with the practical expertise to meet these demands and transform society.
ZIFA President Mr. N. Magwizi framed the partnership as a foundational investment.
“This is about building the foundations of football and sport in Zimbabwe,” he reflected, praising MSU for creating an accessible, globally connected learning environment that fulfils a shared commitment to world-class education.
The programme’s broad significance was echoed by other leaders.
Zimbabwe Olympic Committee CEO Marlene Gadzirai characterised it as an inclusive “door opener” for all national sports federations.
CIES representative Mr. Monnier Vincent highlighted its global network, emphasising it connects local administrators to international knowledge, standards, and a lasting professional community that strengthens sport at every level.
Programme Director Professor T. Marambanyika outlined its core methodology. “It’s not about theory alone,” he asserted. “It’s about marrying theory with practice.”
In a closing commendation, Deputy Minister of Sport, Honourable Emily Jesaya, endorsed the alignment with national policy.
“When entities unite around a shared vision of excellence and integrity, the outcomes are transformative,” she concluded, recognising MSU’s ascendancy as a centre of excellence in applied sports education.
This pioneering launch underscores Midlands State University’s role as a decisive leader in shaping Africa’s sporting future.
It demonstrates a clear vision: to equip the region with world-class expertise and cement the university’s reputation as an incubator for transformative, real-world impact.