Sport and politics… Should leaders take the leap?

SPORT and politics have an intriguing connection, a joining so delicate that it begs for extensive deliberation. As we emerge from the recent Harmonised Elections, a question that was often whispered now clamours for attention: should sports leaders venture into the realm of public office and politics?

The answer is far from obvious, for opinions on this matter are as diverse as the sports they govern. Across the globe, numerous sports leaders have made the transition into political roles. Locally, a handful have found their names echoing through both the corridors of power and the world of sports leadership.

But were they wrong to seize the opportunity of political involvement?
Notably, as the country’s football administration faced turbulence and received Fifa’s nod for a fresh start, familiar figures from the Premier Soccer League stood for public office. Farai Jere, Innocent Benza of Herentals, Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Eddie Chivero, and Tafadzwa Mutowa all entered the political arena, their faces gracing campaign posters and their voices seeking votes.

Former Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa and his deputy, Omega Sibanda, both have past stints as parliamentarians under Zanu-PF. Mukuhlani, chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), now serves as an legislator for Mhondoro, while Ozias Bvute, a former managing director of the organisation, has represented Goromonzi North in the House of Assembly.

Beyond the borders, George Weah’s story stands out. Raised in the slums, he ascended to football greatness, playing for elite European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Chelsea. Despite enduring civil unrest in Liberia from 1989 to 2003, he returned to become the country’s President. Weah remains the sole African player to clinch both the Fifa World Player of the Year and the coveted Ballon d’Or.
Considering these examples, can anyone mount a compelling argument against sports leaders pursuing public office? Does their political ambition warrant such scrutiny?

What lies ahead for them and the governance of their respective sports?
Earlier this year, the Zifa restructuring committee, before Fifa’s suspension was lifted, proposed barring politicians and public office bearers from holding positions within Zifa structures. For some football enthusiasts, this suggestion raises concerns. The entanglement of sports leaders in politics can be bewildering and bewildering.

Nonetheless, sport draws crowds, and politics thrives on numbers. The larger the following, the broader the politician’s smile. History attests that the passionate fans and followers of sports often play a role in enticing sports leaders toward political ambition.

In February, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) voiced its intent to advocate for the prohibition of Members of Parliament (MPs) from occupying positions within national sports associations. This stance came in response to recommendations from the Zifa Restructuring Committee (ZRC), which advised against MPs holding roles in Zifa.

“The Zifa constitution, because of its flawed nature, allows for the eventual election of persons equally flawed in character and integrity and lacking basic management skills. These persons are incapable of separating the affairs of Zifa from their personal needs and ambitions, financial and otherwise.

“It is for this reason that any previous attempts at reform within Zifa became highly charged and personalised affairs with incumbent officeholders thinking themselves attacked as individuals rather than the organisation itself or the office held within Zifa,” read the recommendation.

Not all are of the view above and some sections of the sporting community differ to bring an interesting dimension to the question. Former Bulawayo City team manager, Chivero is now the Chegutu West legislator. He has also worked as a board member for the national football supporters. He has vowed to lobby for sports development in the country.

“Look, everyone is a politician. Everyone has to participate in every sphere. I think there are some laws we can lobby that could help our sport develop. For me, football in particular as someone who has been involved in the game for some time, I don’t believe sport has been getting enough support which is something I hope will change,” said Chivero.

Football administrator, Mutowa, who won a council seat in Victoria Falls says he saw the need to run for the post with sport facility development in mind.

“The problem we have had in the past is that some of the people who have caused a situation where people into politics are doubted for political office were never really football people. As for me, I am a football person through and through. “My major thrust is for the development of sports facilities in Victoria Falls.

This place is already a tourist attraction. Why not then have international teams visit this place to push sport tourism? The first step towards achieving that is to have sports facilities in the resort town. Then, we can benefit from sport tourism,” said Mutowa.
Jere, Benza and Mukuhlani were not available to comment. — @innocentskizoe