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Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Olympic Committee vice president, Thabani Gonye, says he is grateful for the confidence shown by national federations, and members, for him to take over the presidency.
Gonye is running unopposed, for the post of president, and is set to take over from Admire Masenda, who is not vying for re-election. The elections will be held tomorrow during the National Olympic Committee’s quadrennial general meeting at Rainbow Towers.
“First of all, first thing is to say thank you and also just my appreciation to the national federations, and the members, who have shown confidence in me for this next step in my life,” he said.
”I believe that, in terms of my services, I will also give my best for what I have also been discussing with members, what I think I still have to offer, in Zimbabwean sport.”
Gonye has been involved in the ZOC leadership since 2005.
He served as treasurer, for two terms, before he was elected one of ZOC’s two vice presidents in 2013, the post he has been holding until now. He believes he achieved the goals he had set, serving in those posts and now is going for the presidency, as he feels he still has a lot more to offer.
“There is still a lot of work I believe needs to be done in Zimbabwean sport, in serving Zimbabwean sport,” he said.
”I will also say the issue of the nomination is something that is part of the work that was not done yesterday.
”It’s part of the work that I have done in my service to sport.
“So, I would say yes, in a way, the recognition is out of the work for service, for Zimbabwean sport.
”I also did sell out my vision, and what I felt I could offer to Zimbabwean sport, in my next step, and this is where I believe the members also recognised that I have something to offer.”
In his manifesto, Gonye proposes the prioritisation of engagement through forums, to come up with a shared vision, for a new strategic plan to run through 2024.
There will be reviews, right up to 2028, aligned to the International Olympic Committee and the national strategy, during and post-Covid-19. He also talks of the need to keep athletes, at the heart of the Olympic family, and sport movement, through increased support for athlete’s development, at all levels, and to introduce sports science and technology. Gonye also highlights the need for establishment of integrated sports structures, systems and programmes, in collaboration with the Sports Commission, the parent Ministry, national federations and other stakeholders.
Kathleen Lobb, the Zimbabwe Netball Association boss, Letitia Chipandu, Fredreck Ndlovu and National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe president, Tendai Tagara, are vying for the two posts for vice president.
Lobb said she would want to see ZOC leading the way, in rebuilding sport, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Since being elected ZOC vice president in 2019, I have been very frustrated as I have not been able to do a lot, with the Covid pandemic, and all its restrictions,” she said.
”I am a hands-on type of person and this has not been possible, for the last 18 months, of my term.
“With my experience and knowledge I am confident I can contribute in many different ways but I would really like to see ZOC getting involved, and leading the way in rebuilding, in the aftermath of Covid.
“This is going to be a big issue, with numbers being down in many sports, psychological issues with athletes having had their plans disrupted and, in some cases, dreams shattered.
”Lots of work needs to be done to get our sport back to where it was and take it even further.”
Godfrey Sunguro is unopposed for the treasurer’s post.
There are 11 nominees battling for the seven board members’ posts.
Nominees
President: Thabani Gonye.
Vice president: Letitia Chipandu, Kathleen Lobb, Fredreck Ndlovu, Tendai Tagara.
Treasurer: Godfrey Tichakunda Sunguro
Board Member: Charmaine Chamboko, Abel Chimukoko, Letitia Chipandu, Mufaro Chivonivoni, Stonard Mapfumo, Ringisai Mapondera, Abigail Mnikwa, Merit Munzwembiri, Fredreck Ndlovu, Tendai Tagara, Chipo Zumburani.
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