admin
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR years, the Zimbabwe Football Association’s reputation has been battered, but all is not lost, as the association’s image can still be redeemed, an aspiring ZIFA board member has said.
A Chartered Accountant with vast experience in both the corporate sector and football administration, Gilbert Saika wants to transform ZIFA into an accountable entity that will be capable of attracting and retaining sponsors.
Saika is the current ZIFA Mashonaland Central chairman but wants to elevate to the ZIFA board, after years in the football trenches.
He is a former chairman at Mwana Africa who played in the 2007 CAF Confederation Cup.
He is also a former chairman at Lower Division side, Trojan Stars.
“Accountability, honesty and transparency are very key in any organisation,” says Saika.
“If we restore accountability at ZIFA, it will be easier for us to attract the corporate sponsors.
“Money from FIFA should be accounted for properly, and as someone with a history in treasury management, and a qualification as a chartered accountant, I think I can be able to do that.
“I would love to use my wealth of knowledge in corporate governance to spruce up the image of ZIFA.
“Stability is needed at ZIFA, an association whose image has been battered thanks to non-functioning financial systems,” he said.
Added Saika: “No one will put his money where there is chaos and instability. So we need to put in systems that preserve the image of the association.”
Saika feels he doesn’t need to have a manifesto, as this is for those candidates vying for the presidency.
He says he will support whoever is elected president on January 25.
“I believe the president has the sole responsibility of coming out with a manifesto. As a responsible executive member I will support his vision.
“What is important at the end of the day is to drive the association in a direction that will improve our football.”
Saika’s vision for ZIFA is anchored on “four key areas” — financial management, grassroots development, women’s football development and the Congress.
“I have seen what the other candidates plan to do if they are elected. I agree with most of them.
“We share the same vision,” said Saika.
“Grassroots development is key because we need to have a large of pool of young players from across the country.
“Players that are nurtured from the provinces, from the primary and secondary schools.
“That way it will be easier for national coaches when it comes to selection.”
If elected, Saika wants to improve the welfare of coaches.
He will advocate for more coaching clinics across the country.
“Quality coaches improve the quality of our players,” Saika said.
On women football, Saika envisages a situation where boys and girls are developed equally.
“Women football is not being given an equal opportunity as men, because of the status quo,” he said.
“Once in the board I will advise my colleagues to give due attention to the girl child.
“FIFA have a soft spot for the girl child, and we can take advantage of that.
“We can seek funding from FIFA and the world governing body is ready to give us those funds specifically for women development.
“Funds meant for women’s football should not be diverted. I am not happy to see women’s football suffering.
“Women’s football development should start from area zones, we need to broaden the net, we need to spread the opportunities for women across the country.
“With a proper proposal FIFA can support our women,” a confident Saika said.
Online Reporter