Financial concerns arise as ZWPSL mandates CEO appointments

THE recent announcement by the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL) that every club must appoint a CEO starting this season, has sparked some scepticism, with many analysts dismissing it as an ambitious and unrealistic endeavour.

The issue has generated considerable debate, with some fearing it may place an undue financial burden on struggling clubs while others argue that its a necessary step towards securing the future and stability of women’s football in Zimbabwe.

The ZWPSL states that the move is a strategic shift aimed at enhancing the professionalism of the league.
“Exciting developments ahead: starting this season, every club participating in the ZWPSL will be required to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
This move seeks to promote professionalism, enhance governance and foster growth within the clubs,” read the official statement.

However, the move has been met with mixed reactions. Veteran administrator and coach Sibekiwe Ndlovu voiced his concerns over the declaration.

“While the idea of appointing a CEO is promising, I do not think it should be rushed without properly engaging the clubs involved.

They need time to adjust to such significant changes. It’s unrealistic to impose this overnight, especially when it has financial implications.

Clubs have already finalised their budgets for the season without factoring in the costs associated with a CEO position.

If this change were to be introduced, it should have been discussed during the 2023 AGM, which was held earlier in 2024. Clubs are already struggling, and imposing such a directive at short notice will only add pressure.

A few clubs may be able to afford this in the short term.
“From my experience with women’s football clubs, the executive is usually small, often comprising no more than six individuals.

They barely have an office administrator, with the secretary and the organising secretary handling the day-to-day operations.

How, then, can a CEO be introduced without the proper staffing structure in place? Personally, I’m not sure how this decision was made without first considering the introduction of a club administrator before the appointment of a CEO.

For some clubs, the women’s teams are managed under the same structure as the men’s teams, with a single CEO overseeing both.

This initiative needs careful planning before it can be implemented without overburdening the clubs,” said Ndlovu.

Blogger and football commentator Buhle Ncube also weighed in on the matter.
“It’s admirable to dream big, but we must remain grounded in reality.
Many clubs, including those in your league, are already financially struggling.

The financial strain is clear, even in your league’s social media presence, which suffers from a lack of resources and professionalism.

Imposing additional expenses on clubs that are already struggling will only make matters worse.
“Most women’s clubs operate within the structure of existing PSL men’s teams, which share resources.

While well-funded clubs like Herentals might be able to afford a separate CEO for their women’s teams, it’s unrealistic to expect the rest of the teams to be able to do the same.
Unless the national association is willing to cover these costs, enforcing this new requirement will unfairly burden cash-strapped clubs.

I urge the league to reconsider this decision and focus on building financial sustainability first,” said Ncube.

Evans Netha, a respected women’s football coach and administrator, also gave his thoughts on the matter.

“From my perspective, this move is only feasible for company-owned teams. While it is a step in the right direction to ensure all offices are filled, I am concerned about the financial reality for many women’s teams.

The addition of a CEO, given their financial challenges, will be a considerable burden. The owners of these teams are already paying out of their own pockets to keep the teams afloat. This could be a very difficult challenge for them.”

Football fan Sineke Phiri offered a contrasting viewpoint.
“I believe you simply cannot progress if you don’t strive for professionalism.
It’s as simple as that. If you’re not prepared to go professional, then you are not ready to grow.

A non-professional league cannot attract corporate sponsorship, so how can we be serious about bringing in investment if we are not operating at a professional level? I truly believe that introducing professionalism will help teams secure sponsorship, which will ultimately support the clubs,” said Phiri.

It remains to be seen if clubs will comply with the directive or if the league’s leadership will reconsider the move.— @innocentskizoe