daniel chigunwe
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE newly-elected ZIFA board says it desires a close working relationship with the Government as key stakeholders in the development of football in Zimbabwe.
The football leadership yesterday engaged the Sports and Recreation Commission board led by Gerald Mlotshwa in an open meeting for the first time since coming into office less than two weeks ago.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said such engagements were critical since the Government, through the Sports Commission, were one of the major stakeholders of the game.
The Sports Commission is the regulator of all sports associations in the country.
However, their relationship with the previous executives have been strained.
Both Magwizi and Mlotshwa emerged from the meeting in high spirits, setting the tone for a new chapter for football development in the next four years.
“I think this is the first major step on our journey as the new Executive Committee, where we are meeting our authority, who is SRC,” said Magwizi.
“It’s very important that we establish a strong relationship with the Government, because everything we will be doing at ZIFA is really propelling Zimbabwe and its brand.
“All the national teams that will play football across the world will be lifting Zimbabwe’s flag high. So, it’s important that there’s a very good alignment of our objectives as an association and those of the Government. It’s very, very important.
“So, we were well received by the chairman and his commissioners. And I must say we have had very good conversations, which will help us as we even put together our strategy.
“This guidance is very, very important because, in substance, we can end up doing things that are not aligned with the developing agenda of the nation.
“It’s very important that we continuously have these engagements. This is the first of many, which I believe will happen going into the future.”
Magwizi was flanked by his two vice presidents, Kennedy Ndebele and Loveness Mukura; board members Kudzai Kadzombe, Alice Zeure, Tafadzwa Benza, Thomas Marambanyika, and Brighton Ushendibaba.
Only Davison Muchena failed to attend after experiencing a car breakdown on his way from Triangle, where he is based. ZIFA chief executive officer Yvonne Manwa was also in attendance.
Magwizi said the new ZIFA board was committed to attending to the legacy issues that they have inherited as well as meeting the obligations of the MOU signed between the Sports Commission and the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee last year. He gave a detailed outline of the road map that the association intends to follow in pursuit of their mandate to lead the national game towards prosperity.
To expedite the transition, the new board members have so far had four meetings inside their first 10 days in the office to lay down the groundwork. They have also brought in an independent auditor to look into the association’s books. Magwizi also updated that all the elected board members have since resigned from their positions in the football structures in order to satisfy the tenets of good corporate governance. They have also set in motion preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as well as the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. A ZIFA board meeting will be held next week to set up the agenda for an EGM, which requires 30 days’ notice.
“This EGM is for the ratification of the various committees that we are setting up so that our assembly can be fully constituted.
“It will include the standing committees as well as the independent committees. One of the key committees that we need ratified in that EGM is the electoral committee.
“That then should oversee the elections at PSL as well as for the women and any other affiliates that require those elections to be done,” said Magwizi.
The SRC delegation was also well represented in the meeting. Mlotshwa and his deputy Allen Chiura were also supported by commissioners Titus Zvomuya, Nigel Munyati, SRC acting Director-General Sebastian Garikai, SRC Director Finance, HR and Administration Brian Hodza, Commercial Director Sheunopa Vushemakota, and other senior members of the organisation.
Mlotshwa hammered on the importance of transparency, accountability, and corporate governance.
“Firstly, I would like to congratulate the newly elected members of the Zimbabwe Football Association. Your commitment to leadership in football during these transformative times speaks volumes about your dedication to the sport and the communities we serve,” said Mlotshwa.
“The SRC is eager to work alongside you to promote and develop football at all levels, ensuring it thrives both locally and internationally. “As we embark on this new chapter, it is crucial to emphasise the importance of collaboration and transparency between the SRC and ZIFA.
“I am confident that this marks a new chapter in the relations between ZIFA and SRC. Your success is intertwined with the support we provide, and vice versa.”
Mlotshwa said the Sports Commission encourages open dialogue and was created to support, guide, and collaborate with ZIFA to set ambitious goals and strive for excellence in Zimbabwean football.
“Together, we can work towards enhancing the infrastructure, developing grassroots programs, and fostering a competitive spirit that elevates Zimbabwean football on the global stage. “We are aware of the challenges facing football in our country, but I am confident that with visionary leadership, innovation, and collective effort, we can overcome these obstacles.
“Our responsibility extends beyond the pitch; it includes nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring sustainable growth,” said Mlotshwa.
“As the governing body, your primary focus should be on creating a conducive environment for our athletes to thrive.
“The players, captains, and coaches are the lifeblood of the sport. It’s your duty to provide them with the necessary support and resources to excel.” The ZIFA and Sports Commission delegations also toured the National Sports Stadium, where workmen were busy refurbishing the water reticulation system as well as installing bucket seats.
“I think the progress is good,” said Magwizi.
“Obviously, we desire for the project to happen faster. That’s the desire.
“But of course, there are processes that you cannot skip. As you may be aware, right now we’re just waiting for certain sign-offs from CAF in terms of the samples that have already been installed.
“And we are looking into a situation where the authorisation or the sign-off might come in the next few weeks. We just need the sign-off in terms of making sure that the project managers or the installations have been done according to the standards that are acceptable by CAF.
“And once that happens, then we can have teams that will install right across the whole stadium. And yes, we will then have a ready stadium. It’s a process.”
Online Reporter