Central Region Soccer League clubs have revealed their stance after ZIFA mandated a CAF B license as the minimum coaching qualification for lower division leagues — saying the decision is welcomed, but has come too late as they have already finalized coaching staff contracts for the season.
In a circular to men’s and women’s football clubs from the top-flight league to Division Two, ZIFA acting secretary general Norman Gwangwadza stated that this requirement will be enforced for the 2026 season.
According to the circular, head coaches in the Premier Soccer League are required to hold a CAF A licence, while their assistant must have a CAF B licence. In Men’s Division One Leagues, head coaches must have a CAF B licence and their assistants a CAF C licence.
For Men’s Division Two Leagues, both head coaches and their assistants are required to have a CAF D licence. In addition, head coaches in the Women’s Premiership must hold a CAF B licence, and their assistants a CAF C licence, while those in Women’s Division One Leagues are required to have CAF C and CAF D licences respectively.
However, clubs in the Central Region say the requirement was stated late, after they had already offered contracts to coaching personnel.
Speaking to Fanzone on the sidelines of the region’s AGM, chairman Patrick Hill said clubs have been left troubled as the requirement came late and have agreed to stick to CAF C, while encouraging their coaches to enroll for CAF B.
“The issues raised by the clubs include the standardization of coaches’ qualifications, specifically the need for a CAF B license,” Hill said.
“Clubs say the requirement came a bit late, and now that coaches have signed contracts for the 2026 season, the encouragement is for teams to ensure their coaches obtain the required CAF license.
“It is also emphasized that the assistant coach must have the required CAF license, and coaches should enroll for the relevant CAF coaching course to meet the requirements.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, ZIFA said implementation of club licensing legulations is oriented towards development.
“ZIFA wishes to reaffirm that the implementation of Club Licensing Regulations will proceed as part of our collective commitment to strengthening governance, professionalism, and competitiveness within Zimbabwean football.
“While we recognize the concerns raised by stakeholders and remain open to constructive engagement on timelines and transitional mechanisms, the principles underpinning Club Licensing are non-negotiable: financial discipline, proper administration, technical standards, and safeguarding are essential pillars of a modern football ecosystem.
“Our approach is not punitive but developmental. We are committed to working closely with the leagues and their clubs to ensure clarity, reasonable compliance pathways, and practical support, while maintaining steady progress toward a structured, credible, and CAF-aligned football framework that benefits the entire game.”
