Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
AS the Castle Lager Premiership chairmanship election approach, one of the candidates, Masimba Chihowa, has released a comprehensive manifesto outlining his vision for the top-flight league.
Chihowa, a seasoned sports administrator from Mutare, aims to tackle pressing issues plaguing the league, including the underutilisation of young players in the league.
Currently, all premiership teams are required to register five Under-20 players, but Chihowa questions how many of these youngsters receive regular playing time.
His manifesto also sheds light on the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) operational challenges – is it not a fact that the PSL offices, located at Number 36, Midlothian Ave, Eastlea, Harare, are rented premises?
Does the league not struggle with basic assets, including vehicles for staff use?
Chihowa’s questions highlighting the need for sustainable infrastructure development.
Furthermore, he highlights the league’s over-reliance on Delta Beverages’ sponsorship through Castle Lager and Chibuku brands.
Apart from this crucial partnership, the top-flight league has no any other significant corporate backers, underscoring the necessity for diversified revenue streams.
By addressing these concerns and many others, Chihowa’s manifesto presents a roadmap for transforming the Castle Lager Premiership into a more vibrant, sustainable, and competitive league.
Today (Friday), the Premier Soccer League (PSL) will elect a new chairman, vice-chairman, and three members of the emergency committee.
Zimbabwe Women Soccer League will also hold elections for a chairperson, vice-chairperson, and five board members.
As it stands, the next PSL boss will come from one of the four clubs – Manica Diamonds, Simba Bhora, Ngezi Platinum or FC Platinum.
Chihowa, of Manica Diamonds, Leonard Musariri (Ngezi Platinum), Isaiah Mupfurutsa (Simba Bhora), and Dumisani Sisale (FC Platinum) are the four aspirants for the top-flight league top post.
The quartet are vying to replace CAPS United president, Farai Jere, who stepped down at the end of his tenure in December last year.
Former FIFA panel assistant referee, Chihowa, one of the most senior figures in the PSL leadership, boasts extensive experience and exposure, having served as a long-standing member of the emergency committee.
“I did quite some work during the campaigning period. I have reached out to all the governors and their responses were positive. I presented my manifesto, and it was well received by all those who believed in my vision for the league.
“When we are talking about chances, I would rate myself high. Elections being elections, they are a game of numbers, and you might not know who will win at the end of it all, but I am confident that I have done enough groundwork,” he said.
The much-needed corporate partnership, constitutional amendments as well as promotion of junior players’ interests, is at the heart of Chihowa’s vision for the PSL.
“My priority is working on the constitution so that it complies with international standards. One of the key areas that I will concentrate on is improving the nurturing of junior players.
“I want to see to it that youngsters’ interests in the game are protected. In England for example, when registered with a club as Under-16s, they can be taken through the ladder and be allowed to play. We should have a system that in any given match at least one or two players under the age of 20 are given game time.
“Most of the juniors in PSL teams sit on the bench, and they are just there to justify the clause that a club has to have five Under-20 players. To me that is wrong. These youngsters need exposure at an early age,” observed Chihowa.
At a time when other leagues like the South African top-flight, boast numerous tournaments and partners, including Betway, Nedbank, Carling Black Label, MTN8, and DStv Compact, the Zimbabwe PSL relies solely on Delta Beverages as its sponsor, with only the league and one cup competition on offer.
Against the backdrop, Chihowa is eager to bolster corporate partnerships for the PSL.
“I intend to focus on enhancing the PSL’s asset base. It is unacceptable that the league is renting offices – instead, we should own our premises. Furthermore, PSL employees require essential tools, including vehicles to perform their duties efficiently without being hindered by resource constraints.
“I have already established connections with corporates willing to partner with the PSL, contingent upon sound administration being in place. It is inexplicable that our flagship league has only one corporate partner. I am committed to improving this situation,” said Chihowa.
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