Eastern Region gets ZIFA piece of the cake

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
EASTERN Region has a fair representation in the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) sub-committees appointed this week, with six of its administrators having been roped into the new look national football mother body operational structures.
ZIFA released the names of its sub-committee members — in a move that underscores president, Nqobile Magwizi’s commitment to unity and inclusivity. Notably, the list includes several individuals who lost in the recent elections, demonstrating Magwizi’s willingness to put aside differences for the sake of the game.
As stipulated in Article 46:1, ZIFA has established various committees to oversee different aspects of football development and administration in the country.
The appointment of these members marks a significant step towards promoting collaboration and expertise in the sport.
The newly appointed committees are expected to play a vital role in ensuring the seamless operation, strategic planning, and governance of football affairs in the country.
While ZIFA has released the names of committee members, it has noted that this list is not exhaustive, and additional committees will be nominated at the upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
Former Mutare City Rovers official and current Eastern Region secretary-general, Benjamin Chindima has been appointed to the projects and infrastructure committee, chaired by Harare businessman and ZIFA national board member, Brighton Ushendibaba.
Chindima will serve as vice-chairman of the committee.
Triangle FC chairman, Weston Jemwa is also in the same committee as Chindima, while Masvingo provincial chairman, Naboth Magwizi has been appointed to the organising committee for ZIFA competitions.
Former Eastern Region chairman, Davison Muchena, now a member of the ZIFA national executive committee, has been tasked with heading the member associations committee.
ZIFA Manicaland chairman, Kuziwa Nyabeze is part of the finance committee, which is provisionally being chaired by ZIFA president, Nqobile Magwizi. GreenFuel chairman, Fredson Moyo is also on the committee.
Eastern Region board member, Patient Dube has been appointed to the strategic planning and restructuring committee, while Masvingo-based Eastern Region Women Football chairperson, Rosemary Muzvidziwa is on the technical development committee, led by Tafadzwa Benza.
In a letter confirming the appointments, signed by ZIFA president, Magwizi, the country’s football governing body stated that the appointments demonstrate the association’s commitment to excellence.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to excellence and strategic development in all aspects of Zimbabwean football. We trust that all committee members will serve with diligence, integrity, and passion for the growth of the sport,” reads the communique.
Other appointed committees include the organising committee for ZIFA competitions, which will be chaired by Thomas Marambanyika, with Nabioth Magwizi serving as vice-chairperson.
The committee’s members are Nthokoziso Moyo, Nokutaba Manungo, and long-serving PSKL official, Rodwell Thabe.
The marketing and media committee will be chaired by Kudzai Kadzombe, with Ronald Moyo as vice-chairperson.
Other committee members include FC Platinum’s Chido Chizondo, Trevor Jakachira, and Shylet Chikonyora.
The technical development committee, led by Benza as chairperson and Nhlanhla Dube as vice-chairperson, also comprises A Sibanda, Dickson Choto, and Muzvidziwa.
The referees’ committee has new leadership, with Faith Mloyi appointed chairperson and Munyaradzi Majoni serving as vice chairperson. Other committee members are Rusina Kuda Chiramba, Makonese Masakadza, and Jacob Kuuya.
The committee for women football development is chaired by Loveness Mukura, with Premier Soccer League representative, Lewis Muzhara serving as vice-chairperson. Other committee members are James Shamuyarira Mupfudza and Michelle Kwaramba.
The legal and player status committee is chaired by Alice Zeure, with Keith Kachambwa serving as vice-chairperson. The committee members are Hlabangana Ntandose, Nyasha Munyuru, and Tafadzwa Mutowa.
The member associations committee, led by chairman, Davison Muchena, has Rumbidzai Muyambuki as vice-chairperson. The committee members are Edward Chekure, Francis Ntuta, and Phithias Shoko.
The First Instance Body (FIB), responsible for supervising the suitability of match venues nationwide, is chaired by former Warriors team manager, Sharrif Mussa, while former ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela serves as vice-chairperson, with Francis Mabika, Oswell Chakwanda, and Andrew Mugandiwa as committee members.
The communications committee is chaired by veteran sports journalist, Hope Chizuzu, with Zimpapers’ acting editorial executive, Elias Mambo as vice-chairperson. The committee members are Major Tikiwa, Martin Matamisa, and Christine Midzi.
The human resources committee is chaired by Oscah Nduwure, with Mavis Gumbo serving as vice-chairperson. Moses Maunganidze and Martin Kweza are the other committee members.
The Ad-hoc AFCON committee is chaired by former PSL head of secretariat, Kennedy Ndebele, with Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa as vice-chairperson, and Nomsa Moyo, Desmond Ali, Eddie Chivero, and Joel Gombera as committee members.