Transferring a soccer player in Zimbabwe involves navigating a structured process governed by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and aligned with FIFA regulations.
Background
Biggest Clubs:
- Dynamos: 22 Titles
- Caps United: 5 Titles
- Highlanders: 7 Titles
The dominance of Dynamos has been significant in history, especially during the late 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
Football News in Zimbabwe
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is the top tier of football in Zimbabwe, consisting of 18 clubs. Traditional clubs like Dynamos, Highlanders, and CAPS United still have large followings, but newer clubs such as FC Platinum and Chicken Inn have been performing well in recent times.
Lower league competitions under the PSL (Division One, Two, and Three) are organized by regions, but face challenges such as lack of funding and insufficient professionalism.
National Team (Warriors)
The national team, the Warriors, has talent but has faced challenges in international competitions. Zimbabwe qualified for the AFCON tournaments in 2017 and 2019, but political issues and leadership challenges have affected progress.
Zimbabwean Players Abroad
Zimbabwe has produced notable players such as:
• Khama Billiat (formerly with Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa, now with Scotland FC Zimbabwe)
• Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town, England)
• Knowledge Musona (formerly with Anderlecht and Al-Tai)
• Marshall Munetsi (Wolverhampton Wanderers, English Premier League)
Legends
Peter Ndlovu
In 1991, Peter Ndlovu became the first African player to play in the English Premier League! He played over 150 games for Coventry and scored many memorable goals.
Benjani Mwaruwari
Benjani started his professional career at Jomo Cosmos in South Africa, where he showed his goal-scoring abilities. In 2001, he moved to Europe to play for Grasshopper Club Zürich in Switzerland.
That same year, he signed with AJ Auxerre in France, where he gained considerable recognition. In 2006, he transferred to Portsmouth in the English Premier League for £4.1 million, managed by Harry Redknapp. During his time at Portsmouth, Benjani became a fan favorite, known for his hard work and goal-scoring ability.
In January 2008, he moved to Manchester City for £3.87 million, which could rise to £7.6 million with performance incentives. He made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal in a Manchester derby against Manchester United shortly after his move.
Transfer Process – Key Points
1. Check Player Status and Obtain Clearance
Before starting a transfer, do the following:
- Contract Status: Check if the player is still under contract or is a free agent.
- Clearance Letter: If the player is transferring from another club, obtain a letter confirming they no longer have a contract with that club. This avoids registration issues.
2. Use an Intermediary Registered with ZIFA
- The transfer must be conducted with the help of an agent registered with ZIFA.
- According to FIFA and ZIFA regulations, the agent’s fee should not exceed 10% of the player’s signing-on fee.
- Be cautious of agents who may attempt to mislead you or demand excessive, illegal fees.
3. Use the Zimbabwe Connect System
- For international transfers, ZIFA recommends using the Zimbabwe Connect system:
- International Transfer Certificate (ITC): Ensure you request an ITC from the relevant association.
- Registration: Register the player on Zimbabwe Connect for smooth processing.
4. Follow Transfer Fee and Compensation Regulations
- ZIFA has set compensation fees based on the player’s age and the purchasing club’s league:
- 18–23 years: $2,300 if the club is in the Premier League.
- 23–28 years: Fee increases to $3,200 as it is the “prime age.”
- 28+ years: The fee decreases.
This ensures that smaller clubs don’t exploit players without proper compensation.
5. Resolve Contract Disputes Properly
If there is a disagreement between the player and the club:
- ZIFA recommends negotiating and resolving the issue before going to court.
- Registration during Dispute: ZIFA can register the player with another club while the issue is being resolved.
6. Comply with FIFA and Zimbabwe Laws
- Third-Party Influence: FIFA prohibits third-party ownership of clubs.
- National Law: ZIFA must follow both Zimbabwe’s laws and FIFA’s regulations.
Final Tips
- Documentation: Keep all records of contracts and communications.
- Thorough Research: Ensure the agent you are using is properly licensed.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on ZIFA announcements to stay updated on new regulations.
By following these guidelines, you can legally and properly conduct soccer transfers in Zimbabwe.
In Conclusion
The future of football in Zimbabwe depends on several key factors. First, significant investment is needed in youth development and the promotion of football schools and youth programs across the country.
Clubs must improve their organizational practices, including good leadership, sound financial management, and player welfare. Developing infrastructure, such as stadiums and training facilities, will be crucial for nurturing talent and hosting top-level competitions.
At the same time, football leaders must prioritize integrity, good governance, and attracting financial sponsors to ensure the sport remains sustainable.
Rebuilding trust with fans and strengthening community engagement will also help grow support for football. If these factors are addressed, Zimbabwe has a strong chance of becoming a football powerhouse in Africa in the coming years.