HARARE, Zimbabwe — Midlands State University’s (MSU) Harare Campus officially welcomed the first cohort of the prestigious MSU/ZIFA/FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management during an induction ceremony on 20 April 2026, marking the historic Zimbabwean debut of a course designed for professionals destined to lead the global sports industry.
Opening the event, Professor T. Marambanyika, the Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Programme Director, congratulated the students on securing their places in a transformative journey that sits at the intersection of academic excellence and real-world application.
He emphasised that as modern sport evolves into a critical engine for social change, economic development, and diplomacy, this inaugural programme is designed to equip leaders with the strategic governance and leadership skills required to manage successful leagues and international sporting events.
The 2026 cohort features a continental melting pot of talent from Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, and Nigeria, ensuring that diverse perspectives enrich classroom discussions and prepare students to tackle the evolving challenges of the sporting world across Africa and beyond.
The induction highlighted academic rigour with a session on project methodology and essential research standards led by CIES Scientific Officer, Professor. G. Salman.
Complementing this, Zimbabwe’s CIES Coordinator, Mr. B. Kadenge, facilitated a career readiness workshop focusing on the professional skills necessary to thrive in a competitive industry.
The ceremony launched Block 1 of the curriculum, a five-day intensive session running from April 20 to April 24, 2026, allowing students to immerse themselves in interactive lectures and case studies.
Through this international partnership, MSU advances Sustainable Development Goal 4, reaffirming its commitment to producing graduates who are holistic and uniquely prepared to lead global industry and drive social and economic development.