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ALL is set for the Zifa Southern Region elections slated for 14 October with six candidates vying for the four executive committee positions.
Bulawayo City manager, Tizirayi Luphahla, who also held the same post at Chicken Inn and Bantu Rovers, Mosi Rovers chairman Mwanda Mubita, former ZRP Bulawayo chairman Fiso Siziba and ZPC Hwange secretary Mehluli Thebe are all challenging incumbents Bryton Malandule and Tumediso “Drogba” Mokoena who are seeking re-election.
So it’s gloves off and let’s hear the candidates speak.
Tumediso “Drogba” Mokoena
“With the experience I gained in my first term, I’m better prepared to lead the region. Despite the economic recession that we have experienced in the country for the past couple of years, I’m happy we managed to fulfil a number of promises we made.
“We worked hand in glove to reduce clubs’ affiliation fees, cup tournaments sponsorship came on board,we successfully held our Soccer Stars of the Year events with our league champions getting all their trophies and medals.
I personally represented Zifa Southern Region in the country’s technical and development committee and I held successful coaching and administrative courses. I’m happy I was the first technical officer to hold an alcohol and drug abuse course for clubs which was graced by members of the Central Intelligence Departments’ Drug Section and members of the Football Union of Zimbabwe,” he said, adding that being a football administrator needed a hands-on approach.
“As football administrators, you are not expected to sleep in office. I personally watched 95% of Southern Region Division matches all over the country in a season. With other fellow board members I have been in this and other every office in Bulawayo seeking sponsorship. It’s all about having a passion for the game,” said the former New West City benefactor.
Bryton Malandule
“We managed to get the sponsorships but I think monetary wise we have not met the expectations of the teams. I feel the faltering economy has played a role as funders have only little to spare. Clubs need higher financial rewards.
“However, I think we can still engage more sponsors and find a few that would meet the expectations of teams. We are still saddled with finding a title sponsor for the league and I think we can come up with one in the next four years,” he said.
Tizirayi Luphahla
“I have been in soccer administration for the past 10 years and I think it’s time I contribute towards the development of the game in the region. My desire is to reshape the Southern Region so that it’s within modern soccer trends and emphasise the need of taking soccer as a business,” said Luphahla.
He added: “I believe there is a need to improve corporate governance, engage corporates on sponsorship and to work towards reduction of affiliation fees to ease the burden on clubs. I also think we have to work as a team and make sure that player welfare is improved and even implement standardisation of their contracts.”
Mwanda Mubita
“I chose to stand because I’m part of the football system. I have the required administrative experience and when elected, I will advocate for attaining affordability of match fees and travelling costs for Southern Region clubs. We also have to sustain both provincial and zonal leagues as well as resuscitate junior league structures.”
Fiso Siziba
“I have a background of ethics and good code of conduct which I learnt from the force (Zimbabwe Republic Police), which I believe has been lacking in the game. I appreciate the work that has been done by the current executive, but there is a feeling it’s time they make way for other administrators,” said Siziba.
Former Highlanders’ secretary Andrew Tapela is challenging Musa Mandaza for the Zifa Southern Region chairmanship.
Tapela is also an ex-Zifa provincial administrator and he challenges Mandaza whose dance with local football leadership dates back to before independence.
Online Reporter