mbulelo smpofu
Stanford Chiwanga, stanford.chiwanga@chronicle.co.zw
BY the end of January the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) will have a new president. The hope of the nation is that the new leader at 53 Livingstone Avenue, Harare, will be a man of integrity and transparency.
He should be ethical, trustworthy, resilient and adaptable. He should be a leader with no questionable character. He should not have a shady past. These are the qualities desperately needed to lead Zifa effectively. No other type of leader is needed — Zimbabwean football yearns for a saviour, a visionary who can restore trust and drive meaningful progress.
Integrity is the bedrock upon which great leadership is built. As John C Maxwell wisely noted, “Integrity is the foundation upon which trust is built.” Leaders who embody integrity earn the respect and loyalty of their followers, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
For Zifa, a leader with unwavering integrity is essential to rebuild the organisation’s tarnished reputation. A leader who can create a transparent, ethical environment is paramount. But the question remains: How many of the candidates vying for the presidency can truly claim to possess the moral compass necessary to guide Zifa towards a brighter future?
Transparency and accountability are the twin pillars of ethical leadership. As Jim Collins highlighted in Good to Great, true leaders aren’t just competent; they are transparent and accountable. “Level 5 Leaders,” as Collins describes them, blend humility with unwavering will, prioritising organisational success over personal gain.
The next Zifa president must embody these qualities. Decisions must be made openly, and stakeholders must be held accountable. But the question remains: Who among the candidates is truly committed to transparency? Many, it seems, won’t even meet this basic standard.
Ethical decision-making is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Brené Brown, in her ground-breaking work Dare to Lead, explores the concept of courageous leadership, a leadership style that demands difficult ethical choices. Brown stresses the importance of living by one’s values and leading with integrity.
For Zifa, a president who prioritises ethical decision-making is crucial to navigating complex challenges and making choices that benefit the organisation and its stakeholders.
Unfortunately, history is rife with examples of football administrators who prioritise personal gain over the good of the sport. Zifa needs a leader who breaks this cycle and prioritises the best interests of Zimbabwean football.
Trust is the lifeblood of any organisation. As Stephen Covey highlights in The Speed of Trust, trust is the catalyst for achieving organisational goals. Covey outlines the key behaviours that foster trust — honesty, transparency, and consistency. The next Zifa president must prioritise building a culture of trust, encouraging open communication and collaboration among all stakeholders. Unfortunately, many of the candidates vying for the presidency have questionable pasts and are driven by self-interest rather than the good of the sport.
Zifa needs a leader who can restore trust and rebuild the organisation’s reputation.
A visionary leader is the catalyst for long-term success. Simon Sinek, in his seminal work “Leaders Eat Last,” underlines the importance of leaders who prioritise the well-being of their team and inspire a shared vision. Sinek argues that visionary leaders create a sense of purpose and direction, motivating their followers to work towards a common goal.
The next Zifa president must articulate a compelling vision for the future of Zimbabwean football. This vision should inspire stakeholders, from players to fans, to work together towards a shared goal. As Zimbabwe emerges from a period of turmoil, a leader who is skilled in the art of rebuilding is essential to restoring the soul of Zimbabwean football.
The development of grassroots football is vital for the long-term success of the sport in Zimbabwe. In The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Patrick Lencioni accentuates the critical role of commitment and accountability in achieving team success.
The next Zifa president must show a steadfast commitment to nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for players at all levels. This includes substantial investments in training facilities, coaching programmes, and youth development initiatives. Who among the current candidates has truly invested in football?
Who has left a lasting impact on the beautiful game in their current role, and is that enough to qualify them for the presidency?
These are the questions that need answering as we look for a leader who can drive meaningful progress and restore faith in Zimbabwean football.
Effective communication is a key skill for any leader. In Crucial Conversations, Joseph Grenny and his co-authors emphasise the importance of open and honest communication, especially in high-stakes situations.
The next Zifa president must be an effective communicator, able to engage with stakeholders, address concerns, and provide clear and transparent updates on the organisation’s progress. Candidates who cannot communicate must not contest because they will just muddy the waters.
Resilience and adaptability are essential qualities for navigating the challenges of leadership. In Humble Leadership, Edgar H Schein and Peter A. Schein discuss the importance of leaders who are open to learning and adapting to new circumstances. The next Zifa president must demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity and be willing to adapt to changing conditions to ensure the organisation’s success. A man who shirks responsibility and retreats to his shell when things get tough should not be on the ballot. We don’t need a marshmallow leader, we need amadoda sibili.
Collaboration is key to achieving organisational goals. In Team of Teams, General Stanley McChrystal underscores the importance of fostering a collaborative environment where team members can work together effectively.
The next Zifa president must prioritise collaboration, bringing together diverse stakeholders to work towards common objectives and leveraging their collective strengths. Zifa is too big for one man, it needs a man who macro-manages the organisation, a man who delegates responsibility. A micro-manager will sink the boat.
Finally, the next Zifa president must lead by example, demonstrating integrity, transparency, and ethical behaviour in all their actions. Leading by example is a powerful way to inspire and motivate others.
In The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes and Barry Posner argue that leaders who model the behaviour they expect from others are more likely to earn their followers’ respect and commitment.
The Zifa councillors, responsible for electing the next president of the association, must heed this crucial advice. They should choose a leader who will put an end to the corruption at Zifa, not one who will simply line their pockets. Unfortunately, many may ignore this call for integrity. — @plainstan
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
