ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has rallied the Young Mighty Warriors, urging them to prove that local football is alive and thriving as they embark on regional and global assignments.
The Under - 20 team faces Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Kigali today, while the U17 Girls represent Zimbabwe in the Cosafa U17 Girls Championship in Windhoek, Namibia starting tomorrow.
During the sendoff ceremony at Dominican Convent School in Harare last Thursday, Magwizi, responding to a moving prayer by Zifa board member Alice Zeure drew inspiration from the biblical story of Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:41).
"When she (Zeure) spoke to us that verse you quoted speaks to, Jesus had gone to Jairus. Now we've started this, I'm just going to finish it off," said Magwizi as he opened with a sermon.
"Jairus had a daughter who died. She was 12 years and it was a sad situation. There's no parent who wants their child to die. Jairus was heavy-hearted. And, Jesus walked in and said, like she (Zeure), meaning young lady, young girl, rise up. She rose up and started walking along the way. Everyone was marveling. How is that possible?"
Magwizi applied this message to the teams saying: " A lot of people think Zimbabwe football has died and we are coming with a message."
"Young ladies rise up. Take your stand and represent Zimbabwe. And people are going to marvel when they see you making wonders. In Rwanda, making wonders in Namibia. This is your time to shine, time to rise up."
Magwizi charged the teams to play with purpose, pride, and determination, carrying the dreams of millions of Zimbabweans.
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"When you take to the field, whether in Kigali or in the Cosafa tournament, remember that you carry with you not just your boots and your kits, but the dreams of millions of Zimbabweans. You are not playing for yourselves alone," he added.
"You are playing for your families, your communities, your coaches, your teammates, and every young girl who dreams of becoming a national footballer one day. So I say play with pride, play with purpose, play with fierce determination that reflects the strength of the Zimbabwean spirit."
The Zifa supremo assured the teams of unparalleled support.
"Know that you do not walk alone. You are backed by the association, by the government, and by the people of Zimbabwe, who are all behind you with hope, excitement and belief. Wear the national badge with honour. Sing the national anthem with conviction," said Magwizi.
"Let your actions show that Zimbabwean girls are not to be underestimated, that you are technically skilled, mentally and emotionally resilient, especially when you are on the field of play. So let every setback be turned into a comeback, and let every match be an opportunity to showcase not just your footballing talent, but your dignity, discipline and sportsmanship."
The Zimbabwe Women Under-20 play Rwanda this afternoon and in the return leg on Wednesday. In Windhoek, the Zimbabwe Under-17 begin their Group C campaign with a date against Botswana tomorrow and date Lesotho on Wednesday.
Lindiwe Ndlovu is in charge of the Under-17 assisted by Johhanne Chikaola while Garthly Chipuka is the head coach for the Under-20 with Backlyfield Chivenga his assistant.
