By Flata Kavinga
Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries leader Prophet Walter Magaya has called for the urgent commercialisation of football in Zimbabwe, saying club owners continue to shoulder unsustainable financial burdens despite their contributions to the development of the sport.
He was speaking during the Hardrock Football Club 2025 Soccer Awards ceremony held in Kwekwe, where he commended club founder Shepherd Chahwanda for what he described as “purely philanthropic work” in supporting grassroots football.
Magaya said many local football teams survive purely on the goodwill of individuals who invest heavily without receiving meaningful returns.
“Football in Zimbabwe, as we are standing right now, does not pay much to the owners of the clubs and those that are giving unto the clubs. It’s so difficult, it’s so draining, it is so painful,” he said.
Drawing from his own experience as a long-time club owner, Magaya highlighted the financial sacrifices made by team leaders, particularly during his tenure with Yadah Football Club.
“I was part of Yadah Football Club. We lost houses, we lost properties… The only thing that we can feel good for is when we are winning championships. And what you win out of the championship does not even match what you use in a month in playing football,” he said.
Magaya said despite the losses, football administrators remain motivated by passion and the desire to uplift others.
“All what you are seeing here is philanthropic work. It’s just a desire to give, a desire to give a life, a desire to increase somebody,” he said.
He noted that efforts are underway to introduce commercial models that could help clubs generate sustainable income, citing the development of Chahwanda Stadium as an initiative aimed at strengthening football’s business side.
“That’s why we see Chahwanda Stadium being brought up, so that at least we can bring the commercial side to football in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Magaya also took time to bless players, technical teams and supporters, encouraging them to continue developing their careers. He praised former players who have transitioned into coaching, including Ezrom Nyandoro and Benjani Mwaruwaru saying their progress reflected the potential within Zimbabwean football.
“May your careers go far more than ever… and may the Lord bless you,” he said.
The ceremony honoured Hardrock FC players and staff for their 2025 season performances, with community leaders and football stakeholders in attendance.
