Rufaro turf under scrutiny as FIFA official visits

Petros Kausiyo Deputy Sports Editor
THE concerns raised by local football clubs over the state of the artificial turf at Rufaro could come under scrutiny next week when a FIFA official visits Zimbabwe to discuss with ZIFA a host of development related issues.

FIFA Manager for Development programmes (Africa) Solomon Mudege, who is a Zimbabwean, will be meeting ZIFA officials in Harare from April 4-7 for a series of meetings with the ZIFA officials on matters related to the growth of the game.

ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said in a statement yesterday that Mudege would also table FIFA’s support for the delayed Goal Project 4 that Zimbabwe wants to undertake.

The national association also resolved at their executive retreat in Nyanga in February that they would seek FIFA funding for their Win-Win project, which is also aimed at widening their revenue base.

“The aims of the mission are:

To familiarise Mr Mudege with ZIFA current activities and the status of Zimbabwean football

For the ZIFA secretariat to gain more information on the FIFA Development programmes and FIFA activities that are relevant to their functional areas

To discuss the delayed FIFA Goal 4 Project

Analysis of the ZIFA Win-Win Project.”

Gwesela said the FIFA official would also meet with some relevant sports bodies in the country, with Harare City Council who are now maintaining the artificial turf at Rufaro set to be one of those key stakeholders.

Mudege will also tour the ZIFA Village which has been the hub of the first three Goal Projects.

The FIFA development manager will also take time to share ideas with the ZIFA media and marketing managers as well as check on progress in the implementation f the club licensing system in Zimbabwe.

“Sharing of best practice with the ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela and the ZIFA marketing manager Wellington Mugwagwa, for example, sponsorship and licensing. It’s also important to get an understanding of the public and the media perception of ZIFA.

Technical and Youth Football: Follow up from issues discussed at the Technical Director’s Seminar. Discussion on youth football (long term development plan) and future application for FIFA support.

Women’s Football: FIFA consultant visit and long term plan for Women’s Football. Discussion with Mrs Theresa Maguraushe’s participation in the FIFA Female Leadership Development Programme and the support that she requires from ZIFA to implement her selected “Accelerator” project.

Player Registration: Discussion with Mr Timothy Mazhindu on the implementation of FIFA Connect and the integration with both professions and amateur/junior football structures in Zimbabwe

Club Licensing: Discussion with Mr Mashingaidze and any other PSL league representative on the implementation of the CAF Club Licensing Programme and the challenges faced (e.g. lease agreements with council-owned stadiums)

The new ZIFA board under Philip Chiyangwa has been eager to revive Goal Project 4 which was stalled at the height of internal probems in the association.

FIFA had in 2013 approved the construction of a new ZIFA headquarters with the world body understood to have set side $600 000 for the proposal and the association have before the end of this year to implement that phase four of the development aid.

In the Win-Win project, ZIFA who rely not only gate takings from Warriors games and the sole sponsor — Wicknell Chivayo — they have for direct funding, will be looking to explore more revenue streams.

“ZIFA would like to diversify its revenue streams and is considering submitting a Win-Win application. The discussion will focus on ZIFA’s potential revenue streams and how other FIFA member associations have implemented similar projects under the other WIN-WIN programme,’’ Gwesela said.

Meanwhile, both Chiyangwa and Gwesela have rallied the nation to support the Young Warriors as they plunge into battle in an African Under-20 Championships first leg qualifier against Botswana at Barbourfields tomorrow.

Chiyangwa challenged the Young Warriors to emerge triumphant tomorrow. “For young players being selected to the team shows commitment to football and ability to represent your nation at the highest level. We encourage the young boys to play well and build their futures,” Chiyangwa told the association’s official website www.zifa.org.zw

The ZIFA president also urged the Young Warriors to remain focused and follow the footsteps of other great players who came through the same ranks. The return leg will be played on the weekend of April 22-24 in Gaborone, while Zambia will host the finals in 2017.

Young Warriors squad:

Goalkeepers: Issa Ali (CAPS United), Kelvin Shangiwa (Harare City)

Defenders: Lesly Lunga (Highlander),Mathias Chodeva (Bantu), Bukhosi Ncube (Highlanders), Tevor Zidoro (Border Strikers), Kudzanai Nyakasaka (Dynamos), Thulani Nxumalo (Chicken Inn)

Midfielders: Ben Musaka (Bantu), Bukhosi Sibanda (Bantu) Amos Ncube (Chicken Inn), Peace Makaha (Dynamos)

Strikers: Blessing Sibanda (Tsholotsho), Thomas Kadyaridzire (Chicken Inn), Thembelati Mtunzi (Highlanders), Blessing Nyamuziwa (Harare City), Jerry Chipangura (Harare City), Tanaka Ruzvidzo (Harare City)