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Tadious Manyepo Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE football could just be on its way to greatness again after the Zimbabwe Football Forum (ZFF) – a multi-stakeholder think-tank forged ties with the Spanish LaLiga.
The ZFF which is a platform to share ideas, collaborate and network for the good of the game has been making huge strides in recent months and the latest leap has been hailed as a master stroke in the transformation of the game in this country.
LaLiga has been increasing its footprint in Zimbabwe with the establishment of the flourishing Real Betis Academy and the latest development is testimony to their interest in being involved in the country’s game.
LaLiga Africa managing director Trésor Penku said they are committed to taking part in turning around the fortunes of the game in Zimbabwe.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be invited to the Zimbabwe Football Summit.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with the vibrant football community in Zimbabwe and share insights into LaLiga’s international expansion strategy in Africa,” said Penku.
“We believe in the power of football to unite cultures and create lasting connections, and this summit is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the beautiful game on the African continent”.
LaLiga commercial manager Natalie Barlow said the Zimbabwean game is headed for interesting times.
“At LaLiga, we understand the importance of global strategies that are deeply rooted in local contexts,” Barlow.
“The process of ‘localisation of global strategies’ is pivotal to our mission in Africa. “We’re excited to discuss how we adapt and tailor our initiatives to the unique and diverse African markets at the Zimbabwe Football Summit.
“By fostering partnerships and understanding the specific needs of each region, we aim to bring the spirit of LaLiga closer to the hearts of fans across Africa.”
The coming on board of Laliga to the ZFF was largely facilitated by Real Betis Academy Zimbabwe Gerald Sibanda who is also the ZFF advisory board chairman who underscored the need for Zimbabwean football to unlock business opportunities in this mega-dollar industry.
“We are very delighted to welcome once again La Liga to Zimbabwe,” said.
“This is the time to unlock business opportunities in our football Industry, discuss key issues and explore synergies amongst all stakeholders”.
Zimbabwe Football Summit founder Tinashe Terrence Malunga said the partnership has come just at the right time.
“The Partnership with LaLiga coincides with a critical juncture within our football industry post readmission into the global fora after 18 months of suspension which provides an opportunity to educate and re-educate ourselves for the modern partnerships and collaborations,” said Malunga.
“Most importantly, this multi-stakeholder forum provides a professional platform to network, share ideas, partner and collaborate.
“In building a truly branded and competitive league which is a cornerstone of every country’s football, we will be hosting a Football Clubs Expo with support of LaLiga which is one of the leading global football leagues and commercial brands.
“This premier football business symposium will discuss the contemporary transformative issues pertaining to governance, investment, creativity and innovation within the football ecosystem”.
The symposium will be held on November 3 in Harare under the theme “Enhancing regional cooperation and structural integration in football”.
Online Reporter