Online Reporter
Cutworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE newly-elected ZIFA Mashonaland Central Province board, led by chairman Edward Mutukwa, have wasted no time putting into action their strategies for developing football in their area.
Mutukwa and his leadership have engaged with Minister of State for Provincial affairs Christopher Magomo to forge a partnership for football development in the province.
They paid a courtesy call on the Minister with the visit being aimed at aligning the ZIFA affiliate’s vision with the province’s and country’s goals.
Mutukwa believes football and sport in general has a role to play in ensuring that Vision 2030 becomes a success.
“The country is pushing towards an upper to middle economy by 2030, which we believe is attainable, and sport can be a major pillar towards that goal,’’ Mutukwa said.
The former Black Rhinos chairman said the board plans to involve all eight districts and 10 local authorities Mashonaland Central, with a focus on sponsorship, infrastructure development, and human capital growth.
Mutukwa’s approach is unprecedented in the history of Mashonaland Central football where growth of the game had virtually stagnated despite the province being famed for producing a host of players who reached stardom, who included the late Biggie Zuze, his brother Garikai, Mavhuto Chapani, Alisara Kondowe, Warriors team manager Clemence Matawu and his brother Louis and the late Stephen Shamuyarira.
“We want every local authority to be involved and to have football teams.”
A fundraising dinner is being planned to secure sponsorship for the league, with the board also working on a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bindura University of Science Education to provide internship opportunities for students.
BUSE are also the hosts of the national sports academy in Bindura.
Mutukwa also stressed the need to prioritise inclusivity with focus being put on the girl child’s involvement in football.
“We are ensuring the girl child is not left behind…both the boy and girl child will participate in everything that we will arrange,’’ he said.
Mutukwa added that the Government, through the resident minister, had pledged its support.
“For the much-needed support, doors are open to us, and we have the support of the Resident Minister.”
