Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FRESH from his election as the new Northern Region Soccer League chairman, Sweeney Mushonga has hit the ground running, with the veteran administrator sealing a sponsorship deal just a week into his four-year mandate.
Mushonga was last weekend voted in as Martin Kweza’s replacement as boss of the NRSL.
He is now set to unveil his first major sponsorship package for the region.
He won the ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League, edging contenders — former board member Stanlous Nyachowe whom he narrowly beat and ex-chairman Francis Zimunya who he thumped for the regional pole position.
Zimunya in particular now has an unwanted record with the ZIFA elections.
The ex-Zimbabwe Crackers director has now lost all four successive ZIFA elections he has taken part and more worryingly, he has suffered the ignominy of registering a zero in each outing.
This has heightened calls for the self-styled Lifelong Footballers Trust and Zifassol boss to consider retiring from contesting in the ZIFA polls where he has been consistently humiliated and focus on other means of assisting in the growth of football.
But away from the drama of the elections, which also saw Mushonga and long-time friend and N’ombeyawora chairman Cuthbert Chitima reunite, the NRSL are now bracing for good times.
Chitima, who also previously served as CAPS United chief executive was elected the NRSL vice-chairman, and the duo will now rekindle its time when they were directors of 2010 Premiership champions Gunners.
The other members of the NRSL leadership are John Remba, easily the longest-serving board member in the region, Ngezi Platinum Stars official Rumbi Muyambuki, banker Desmund Ali and Gilbert Chiminya.
There was no place though for journalist and Harare City official Hope Chizuzu, who could only secure three votes in his quest to be on the NRSL board.
After weeks of campaigning in the lead-up to elections, Mushonga said the NRSL needed to shift attention to the region’s contribution in the development of Zimbabwean football.
Although he did not reveal much before the unveiling ceremony, Mushonga said they are thrilled to have a corporate partner on board which should boost the league’s growth.
“We are thrilled to announce that our programme to unveil our sponsor as previously indicated is on course.
“This partnership is a welcome development for our league as it will boost our growth and accelerate our football to new heights.
NRSL have not mentioned who the sponsor is but are convinced that they will deliver top-notch service to football.
“The sponsor, to be soon announced shares our passion for football and commitment to excellence. We are looking forward to working together to deliver top-notch football and engage fans.
“We want to thank our sponsor for believing in us. This partnership is a win for football,” said Mushonga.
NRSL have been a trendsetter in Division One football in the country.
Mushonga believes it’s their mandate to continue with good will.
“We need to continue improving the standards of our league and improving direct support to clubs through administrative training, structured licensing, and unwavering ethical standards,’’ he said.
