Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Fredreck Ndlovu, who is contesting the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) vice president’s post, says working closely with national sport associations is key if Zimbabwe is to increase and improve their participation at the Olympic Games.
Ndlovu is hoping he will be successful in the elections scheduled for Sunday in Harare.
He was first elected vice-president in 2021 and believes he can still contribute in making a difference at the National Olympic Committee.
“For me, I think we still have a lot to do as an organisation. One of our main targets was to have 10 athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. I think we achieved 70 percent of that,” said Ndlovu.
He said if elected, he will work with all the structures to ensure that at least a minimum of 10 athletes qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
“That is one main target that I think as an organisation we need to focus on. This is not the responsibility of ZOC alone, as athletes come from national federations hence the need to work together,” said Ndlovu.
He said there is a need to identify structures that will ensure the country has athletes of the mould of the likes of (Tapiwanashe) Makarawu.
“Universality should be a bonus for us. That is my main focus if elected,” said Ndlovu.
Makarawu together with Makanakaishe Charamba reached the men’s 200m at the Olympics last year.
Ndlovu is looking at engaging corporates to assist the organisation in supporting the athletes towards attaining high performance that can see them qualify and perform at the highest level.
“I want to engage a number of corporates so that they come on board and assist us as ZOC because we need a lot of funding to support the athletes,” he said.
Ndlovu, who was previously involved in the Zimbabwe Volleyball Association leadership believes his first term in office as ZOC vice president was an eye opener.
“In my first term I learnt a lot. I think we need to reach out more to the corporates, we need to reach out more as ZOC to the national federations. We need to have that intimate relationship,” he said.
Other posts up for grabs include that of president, seven board member positions and five positions for the Disciplinary Committee.
Mxolisi Ndlovu is unopposed for the treasurer’s post.
ZOC elections candidates
President
Thabani Gonye, Ringisai Mapondera.
Vice President
Xolisani Gwesela, Merit Thokozile Munzwembiri, Fredreck Ndlovu, Vengayi Cleophas Nyangoni, Joe Kudzayi Rugwete, Godfrey Tichakunda Sunguro, Tendayi Tagara.
Treasurer
Mxolisi Ndlovu
Board Member
Charmaine Yemurai Chamboko, Abel Chimukoko, Letitia Chipandu, Edson Chirowodza, Tinashe Duri, Xolisani Gwesela, Abigail Mnikwa, Merit Thokozile Munzwembiri, Lizzie Mupure, Joe Kudzayi Rugwete, Tawanda Sithole, Tendayi Tagara, Fungai Happiness Zinatsa, Chipo Zumburani.
Eligible and Approved Disciplinary Committee Candidates
Zvidzai Herbert Chinyani, Blessing Ngwenya, Kelvin Simbarashe Sabao, Nyashadzashe Ruth Sai, Patony Porepore Musendo, Taona Sibanda.
derick.khumalo