Football heads urged to be transparent

Ngqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
ZIFA vice-president Omega Sibanda has challenged football administrators to be transparent in managing funds. Speaking at the unveiling of the Machache Meats Zifa Southern Region Division One Soccer League Soccer Stars of the Year sponsorship, Sibanda said financial transparency is important for the development of football in the country.

“Financial transparency to the public is very important for the creation of relationships with sponsors which develops football. If football administrators are transparent with their funds or that of a commercial partner, it is easier for sponsors to partner with football associations,” he said.

The regional awards return having been last held in 1978 when Onias Musana of Plumtree’s Black Horrors was crowned Soccer Star of the Year.
Some of the players who were in that stars calendar are the late Highlanders duo of Majuta Mpofu and Tymon Mabaleka, Go Beer Rovers’ Thomas Chipembere, McTavish Dube of Gwanda Ramblers and Black Chiefs’ Alfred “Ngedla” Phiri.

Machache Meats presented a $2,000 sponsorship for the stars’ awards. The best footballer will walk away with $300 with the first runner-up getting $150 while $100 has been set aside for the second runner-up.

The other eight players who will make it into the list will each pocket $50.
The Coach of the Year will bank $250 with the Top Goal Scorer getting $300.

All the Division One clubs will vote for their best 11 players as well as the coach. They will not be allowed to vote for players from their teams.
Zifa Southern Region chairman Musa Mandaza was grateful to Machache Meats’ generosity.

“I can assure you that this money that you have given us will be directed to awards and nothing else. We are happy for this gesture and we are looking forward to cultivating the partnership that we have created,” said Mandaza.