Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zifa Southern Region heads into its highly anticipated elections this morning, with all eyes firmly fixed on the closely contested race for the chairmanship — a battle that has produced no clear frontrunner throughout a subdued campaign period. Four contenders are vying for the top post: former national team striker Zenzo Moyo, the incumbent chair Lloyd Munhanga, Tatenda “Chris” Mtungwazi, and Tawanda Tali. Each candidate brings a distinct footballing pedigree, and the final vote is widely expected to be extremely tight.
Moyo’s campaign rests on four central pillars: transparency and governance, grassroots revival, club empowerment, and restoring regional pride. He leans heavily on his decades of experience both on the pitch and in administration, presenting himself as a figure who understands the game from every angle.
“Football is not just a game to me; it is the story of my life,” he declared. “I know the sweat, the sacrifice and the passion it takes to succeed. I understand the challenges our players, coaches and clubs face because I have lived them. I scored the goals, felt the pressure and wore the national jersey with pride. Now I want to channel that same dedication into rebuilding our regional football from the grassroots up.”
His path to the top, however, will not be easy. Mtungwazi, another strong contender, has also made the restoration of the region’s football stature a central pillar of his campaign. He emphasises the need for structural change to attract investment, arguing that confidence in the league will draw sponsors.
“My vision is to bring back the status of this region as one of the best in the country. This is one of the most competitive regions and it has vast talent. We need to put our house in order so we can attract sponsors. When there is confidence in us, sponsors will come. But that confidence comes from professionalism, good governance, integrity and transparency—these are the tenets that will elevate our league,” he said.
His vision extends beyond the pitch, with commitments to empower communities, promote inclusivity, and ensure football contributes to broader social and economic development.
Incumbent chair Munhanga, seeking a second term, insists his first tenure delivered significant strides in strengthening the league. He cites improved governance through new working committees, better relations with referees, and what he describes as one of the most competitive seasons in the past decade.
Looking ahead, Munhanga plans to expand committee work, improve training for administrators and technical staff, and intensify efforts to secure sponsorships. He also pledges better marketing and infrastructure upgrades, insisting the league must continue rising in professionalism and visibility. Acknowledging that a tough economic climate posed challenges, including the collapse of a major sponsorship deal, he vows to broaden income streams.
“We cannot rely on one sponsor; we must build a sustainable financial base,” he said.
The intensity of the elections extends beyond the chairmanship. The vice-chairperson’s race features incumbent Tafadzwa Mutowa, Elton Sinyosi, and Martin Mhlanga. Competition is equally strong for the four available board member posts, with former Normalisation Committee member Skhumbuzo Ndebele, incumbent finance board member Tizirayi Luphahla, Nkayi United’s Prince Nyoni, Lovemore Kuvheya, and Tatenda Ncube all campaigning — although most of the persuasion is reportedly taking place in private meetings rather than public gatherings.
