Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
TO many, he is known as a successful Harare businessman with a passion for football development but Brighton “Panjap” Ushendibaba has an interesting background.
He grew up in rural Gutu where he would walk several kilometres to and from school.
The 38-year-old played a pivotal role as one of the financiers of Simba Bhora who made history by becoming the first team from Mashonaland Central to win the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship.
It is this background that is pushing Ushendibaba to elevate his passion for football development to a national level.
He is one of the candidates vying for a place on the next ZIFA board.
He addressed councillors from the ZIFA Central Region yesterday.
“My brief is to develop football in Zimbabwe and to widen the net so that everyone benefits,” Ushendibaba said.
“We need to develop football from primary school level up to the last level.
“The trip to the Midlands was very good, meeting some of the councillors was an eye-opener.
“I want to bring transformation in football but at the same time I have to learn from those who were there before me.”
Zimbabwe’s recent withdrawal from the women’s Under-17 World Cup qualifiers has disturbed Ushendibaba.
The Young Mighty Warriors were set to play Ethiopia in the first round, with the first leg set to take place this month.
“I want to improve the welfare of the girl child. I want a situation where girls and boys are rated the same, we need to create more opportunities for women in football.
“Girls should be getting equal salaries as their male counterparts. I want to go on a national programme that develops football across the nation.”
Ushendibaba intends to use his business connections to help develop infrastructure.
“We have a huge problem when it comes to stadiums and I have links who can help in developing infrastructure
“We also need to make sure that football in schools is well funded.
“Rural football development is another area. I grew up in the rural areas. Last year I donated a bus at Chitsa Primary school so that the football teams can travel to games.”
Over 30 candidates are vying for the six board member positions when ZIFA go to the poll on January 25.
