Zimbabwe will head into Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) wearing a kit designed and made locally for the first time, a move that shows a new direction for the game.
The Warriors’ new strip is part of ZIFA’s plan to back local designers and manufacturers, using football to create jobs and grow the local industry.
“For the first time, Zimbabwe will compete at a major tournament wearing a strip conceptualised and designed locally, by Zimbabweans. This is a declaration of intent,” ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi.
ZIFA believes the locally made kit will help grow Zimbabwe’s creative and manufacturing industries and develop local talent for national and international football
“Our vision as ZIFA is to build capacity within Zimbabwe’s creative and manufacturing sectors.Football must not only inspire dreams; it must also support industries.”
“The kit project is part of a broader strategy to empower local designers, textile companies and technical producers,” he said.
ZIFA hopes the project will open doors for Zimbabwean brands to supply national teams in the future and compete beyond the country’s borders.
“Over time, we want Zimbabwean talent to supply not only our national teams, but to compete regionally and globally.”
For the players, the kit is a reminder they are carrying the nation’s colours and craftsmanship every time they step onto the field and Football can help create new opportunities and solve problems using our own local resources.
“Wearing this kit is a reminder to our boys that they carry Zimbabwean craftsmanship on their backs.”
“It is a reminder to our people that football can be a driver of innovation and economic opportunity, And it is a reminder to all of us that the solutions we seek are already in our own hands,” Magwizi added.
With kits and logistics set, 28 players and the technical team will fly out Tuesday, carrying Zimbabwe’s hopes at AFCON.
