ZIFA President, Sport Ministry Secretary Tour Al Ahly Football Academy

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President Nqobile Magwizi and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Dr. Nicholas Moyo, have toured the Al Ahly Football Academy in Egypt, a model institution renowned for nurturing football talent from as young as four years old.

The academy, which runs structured programmes for players up to 15 years old, is considered a continental benchmark for youth football development due to its impressive infrastructure and scale.

Addressing journalists during the visit, Dr. Moyo said Zimbabwe could draw valuable lessons from Al Ahly’s holistic approach to junior football. He noted that the academy accommodates around 1,600 children weekly, who train for two hours a day, five days a week across its 24 branches in Egypt.

He also commended the academy’s inclusive philosophy, which ensures equal training opportunities for both boys and girls. He added that special attention is given to talented individuals, including those aspiring to become goalkeepers, through tailored development programmes.

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi said he was inspired by the sheer scale of Al Ahly’s operations and the high standards of their facilities. He described the initiative as a strong reminder of what’s possible when investment is made in structured grassroots football.