Zifa Eastern Region candidates speak

Senior Reporter
THREE candidates are vying for the Eastern Region chairmanship as electioneering gathers momentum ahead of the regional by-election.

Buffaloes committee member, Ashel Mutungura, Harare-based Masvingo City chairman, Special Matarirano and Zifa Eastern Region board member finance, Davison Muchena make up the list of three candidates that have not only expressed their interests in the regional soccer administration top post, but have since started mobilising support.

Muchena confirmed that he was vying for the Eastern Region chairmanship.

“Yes, I can confirm that I will be contesting in that election. I do not have much to say at the moment since we are still working on the modalities of our campaign strategy,” said Muchena in a telephone interview from his Triangle base.

Mutungura is a well known legal practitioner in Mutare whose romance with football administration dates back to the days of the now defunct Eastern Lions in Division Two before the team acquired the Chivhu United Division One franchise until it was promoted into the Premiership.

He was part of the Eastern Lions club executive for two seasons before the team was sold to Bantu Rovers.

Mutungura joined Highway FC and later Buffaloes football Club executive committees.

“My motto in this election campaign is ‘integrity in the game of football is everything’. My opinion is that it is high time that we help the new ZIFA leadership in instilling a sense of discipline, integrity and transparency in order to rebrand ZIFA.

“It is no secret that ZIFA for a long time has been known for the wrong reasons and it is encouraging to note the initiatives are being made by the new ZIFA leadership to instil these principles and that has also to start at grassroots level.

“I have no doubt that I will be able to invest all my experience, not only in football, but also corporate acquaintances to inculcate these principles. One of my major aims is also to source sponsorship for the league.

“The league has been running for a long time without corporate partnership while the clubs have been left to shoulder the burden. I am really looking forward to reduce the burden on the clubs in every aspect.

“The economy is not performing well, we all know that, hence why should we continue letting clubs suffer without anyone to look into their plight? This is not a one man’s task, but I am strong believer in team work. I have no doubt that with the team that is currently there in the Eastern Region board, we will be able to succeed in all aspects,’ said Mutungura.

The other candidate, Matarirano, a former Black Rhinos Football Club and United Lions Football Club player, has vowed to change the way of doing business in the eastern soccer administration body.

Matarirano, a serving Zimbabwe National Army officer and public relations practitioner, declared his intention to run for the region’s highest football office recently.

Matarirano said he was willing to challenge for an opportunity to lead the region and change the face of the game in what is arguably the largest football region in the country.

“I have decided to announce my intention to bid for the chairmanship of the Eastern Region which has become vacant following the election of our former chairman, Piraishe Mabhena onto the national board,” declared Matarirano.

“I believe I am ready to lead the region given my experience as player with Black Rhinos in the Premier Soccer League as well as various administrative positions at clubs in the country. Before I joined Masvingo City, I was an administrator at United Lions which belongs to the army,” he added.

Although he has not launched his manifesto, Matarirano gave a brief about his plans should he be elected Eastern Region chairman.

Key among his plans is the digitalisation of the regions communications to make it a viable sponsorship option.

“One of the first things I would do if I am elected is to improve our brand presence by digitalizing our communications systems. I intend to launch a website as well as introduce mobile based communication and marketing strategies,” Matarirano said.

The army officer said he was now in the process of putting together a campaign team and working towards launching his manifesto and officially launching his campaign.