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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE 64th Fifa Congress that was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, early this week was quite informative, an eye-opener and worth attending, Zifa vice president Omega Sibanda said yesterday.Sibanda is part of a three-man Zimbabwe delegation which has Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze and is led by its president Cuthbert Dube.
They flew out of the country last Saturday for the world football indaba.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter addressed the two-day congress held on Tuesday and Wednesday and in one of his remarks, he outlined the power of football to foster social change as well as promote health and fight against racism and any form of discrimination. He also stressed the necessity of always acting in the spirit of fair play, solidarity and integrity, both on and off the field of play.
“We must become one of today’s pioneers of hope,” said Blatter.
Speaking to Chronicle Sport just before departure for the World Cup opening ceremony at the Arena Corinthians Stadium last night, Sibanda said the experience there has been something to savour.
“The experience has really been perfect, football management has changed quite a lot, we are preparing to go to the match venue now,” said Sibanda.
He said it was his hope to apply the knowledge they learnt in Brazil to local football to improve professionalism and in the process project a good image to the corporate world.
During the congress, Fifa revealed that it would invest $900 million in football development, representing a $100 million increase in the budget.
The congress also approved 10 key developmental elements for women’s football.
There shall be equal access to football for girls including clubs, schools and colleges as well as working towards sustainable professionalised competitions and improving marketing and promotion of women’s football.
The congress also agreed that the women’s game was at a different stage to the men’s and therefore there is a need for experts in women’s football in all decision making areas.
“We should keep former referees and players involved in the game and create leadership and management opportunities while also developing opportunities and mentoring female coaches,” Fifa said.
derick.khumalo