THE ACTURIAL SCIENTIST WHO IS NOW A ZIFA BOARD MEMBER

Sports Reporter

TAFADZWA Benza couldn’t have craved for a better reward from the game he loves so much after being elected onto the ZIFA board last Saturday.

The 31-year-old administrator has caught the imagination of many after it recently emerged that he turned down three lucrative actuarial science overseas job offers to pursue his passion for football development in the country.

And, he thoroughly merited a spot on the new ZIFA board, which he duly got.

Benza was the overwhelming favourite to take one of the available six slots.

He dominated the process with 57 councillors all having his name on the ballot. After scoring high in the BSc Actuarial Science at the Kent University in the UK, and following that up by scoring distinctions at Masters level at the University of London, Benza, who is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Strategic Management, found himself crowded with offers from the UK, Canada and the United States.

But he knew exactly what he wanted as he had convinced his father Innocent to establish the biggest football institution in teh country which has 14 professional clubs, including the ambitious side that play in the Premier Soccer League and the dominant Women’s Soccer League team Herentals Queens.

Benza has been the behind-the-scenes man running the institution, which employs more than 1000 players and support staff over the past seven years.

And the Peterhouse School luminary first picked his prize for the sacrifice last December after The Herald honoured him with a special recognition in Outstanding Football Development Excellence during the inaugural Herald Community Heroes Awards in Harare.

“I am very happy to have been one of the recipients of these prestigious awards from the leading daily newspaper in the country.

“It gives me some sense of pride and ticks me into doing even greater things in football,” said Benza.

“What I am particularly happy about the most is the fact that I am getting this recognition after I dropped several job offers, including from three overseas companies.

“What I always wanted was football administration. I am very happy to see girls from disadvantaged backgrounds making it through football.

“Mass participation and remuneration are key drivers to inclusivity and I am happy to have been recognised for doing what I love most.”

He said his election into the ZIFA board is another huge step into fulfilling his passion.

“I take this mandate that has been handed to me by the football stakeholders with so much excitement and honour.

“Zimbabwe football deserves better and we will work with everyone in the board from the president Nqobile Magwizi to improve it.”

Benza added:

“I am happy that we have like-minded people on this board and that will make it very easy for us to implement the president’s vision. At the end of the day, it is football that should be the winner.”