Ndebele gets PSL contract extension

Regarded as the reason behind stability and return of sponsors to the PSL in the last two years, Ndebele’s contract with the organisation expired in December last year.

Both Ndebele and Premier Soccer League boss Twine Phiri have declined to talk about what transpired at their weekend meeting in Bulawayo.

“I have no comment on the issue. Both parties have agreed that negotiations be done out of the public eye,” said Ndebele when sought for comment on Monday.

Phiri echoed the same sentiments.

“We have agreed not to talk about the issue until it’s resolved. There is no comment at all at the moment,” said Phiri.

Sources close to the proceedings at the Premier Soccer League told Chronicle Sport that board member finance Thadson Zhou, vice-chairman Joseph Zulu and Phiri met Ndebele at the weekend. It is at the meeting that Ndebele was offered a three-year contract.

The sources said the three felt a long term contract would benefit the PSL whose programmes would be implementable if the chief executive officer was given a long term contract. Fears were that a one-year contract often leaves one with unfinished business.

The three board of governors members are said to have been impressed with how Ndebele had managed to introduce a good culture of corporate governance into the PSL.

“After lengthy deliberations, the PSL felt Zimbabwe football needed to tap from Ndebele’s wealth of experience. He has come from a tried and tested mill, nobody doubts his credentials and his resume is one of the best.

“The man is passionate about a culture of good governance. He wants to take football administration of the League to a higher level. It has not been easy in the PSL as there has been resistance and reluctance from some quarters to change. Sponsors have also been happy with the professional way Ndebele has run tournaments,” said the source.

Under Ndebele and Phiri, the PSL brand has continued to soar. Last year it won the bid to be among the leagues on the continent which enjoy Supersport coverage.

The Zimbabwe Premiership will this year receive $400 000 in television rights from the South African pay television channel.

According to sources, one thing that worked to Ndebele’s advantage was that member clubs want continuity.

“It was felt that from June people will be campaigning for posts as elections will be next year. “Entrusting the league to someone new in the sport who has a potential to work with another crop of new- comers next year, could see all the good work done by Ndebele and the board of governors going to waste”.

A majority of the clubs were for Ndebele’s contract extension.

Ndebele is an internationally accredited football administration instructor who has toured the length and breadth of Africa.

He is among five young administrators from the English speaking part of Africa earmarked for future roles.