shloboe boe
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
ADMORE Chivero, a seasoned football administrator, has outlined his plans to help transform Zimbabwe football and said his strategy is built on four core pillars, which are: Grassroots Development, Competitive Excellence, Governance and Transparency and an all-inclusive approach.
Chivero, who is vying for a spot on the Zifa Board in the January 25 elections, emphasised the need to restore Zimbabwe football to its former glory and said this requires a complete shift in approach.
“We need to restore the glory of Zimbabwean football and that requires a shift in how we approach the game. My vision is centred on creating a robust, sustainable and inclusive football ecosystem that benefits everyone, from the grassroots to the national team,” said Chivero.
He said his key policy proposals include establishing a national development plan aligned with Fifa and Caf standards, increasing investment in grassroots football, introducing a national coaching development programme and reforming the national league structure to promote competitiveness and financial sustainability.
“We must prioritise player welfare, introducing minimum standards for player contracts and benefits and foster partnerships with Government, corporates and international partners to secure funding and resources,” Chivero said.
He said robust governance structures, ensuring transparency, accountability and democratic decision-making, are also essential to the success of the game.
Chivero has been team manager for the Zimbabwe Under-20 side, Bulawayo City and chairman of Chegutu Pirates, among other roles in local football.
He will face competition from several other candidates for the Zifa board member post, including former Warriors’ manager Sharrif Musa, Alois Bunjira, Highlanders secretary Morgen Dube, former Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela, former Warriors’ coach Sunday Chidzambga, ex-Zifa Southern Region chairperson Andrew Tapela, experienced football administrator and lawyer Tawengwa Hara and women’s football administrator Sibekiwe Ndlovu and Chris Mtungwazi.
The Zifa presidency post will be contested by six candidates, including businessman Nqobile Magwizi, Philemon Machana, Marshall Gore, Martin Kweza, Twine Phiri and Makwinji Soma-Phiri.
The Zifa vice-presidency race for women has Mavis Gumbo, Patience Mutumwa, Winnet Murota, Joyce Kapota and Loveness Mukura.
In the men’s race for the same post are Omega Sibanda, Peter Dube, Kennedy Ndebele, Francis Nyamutsamba and Simbarashe James Takavada. — @innocentskizoe
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
