Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA executive committee member hopeful Thomas Marambanyika says he will wipe off all grandstanding and ensure sound corporate governance that will ensure the association is in compliance with FIFA’s dictates.
His goal is to ultimately make football the winner.
Marambanyika is vying for one of the available six ZIFA executive committee ordinary member posts in Saturday’s watershed association elections.
He will have to shake off challenges from a huge field of contestants amounting to a total of 39 candidates.
But the ZIFA Central Region vice-chairperson feels he has what it takes to land his intended post, not least with his pledge to ensure ZIFA’s compliance with FIFA statutes will then enable the former to run flawlessly.
“First things first. My intention is to ensure good corporate governance within ZIFA. The association should make sure that it is compliant with CAF and FIFA statutes that will then enable us to qualify for continental and international grants,” said Marambanyika.
“Look, there are so many privileges that come with being a member of CAF and FIFA, but sometimes we let all this go because we fail to adhere to the standards expected of us by both organisations.
“We should always make sure that we operate and run ZIFA within the bandwidth of both CAF and FIFA. The recognition and grants that come with it will enable us to effectively develop grassroots and women’s football.
“It will also leave ZIFA in a very good space as a trustworthy brand that can then be able to apply for government grants and sponsorship.
“So it all starts with building a good brand as ZIFA and ensuring sound corporate governance before anything else. Running ZIFA needs a phased approach rather than just getting over things in a haphazard manner.
“It is my pledge and commitment to first ensure good corporate governance in tandem with CAF and FIFA expectations. Once this is in place, we will be ensured of the grants and benefits that come with being an affiliate of these overseer bodies.
“Once we do this, then everything can fall into place, and football will be where we all want to see it.”
The veteran administrator and academic professor said the international grants ought to be supplemented by other revenue streams, including the inclusion of NGOs in the running of the game.
“Government is a key stakeholder. That doesn’t need a rocket scientist to explain. We ought to be in good standing internationally so as not to spoil their image. That way, we can easily consult and involve them.
“The grants from CAF and FIFA should be augmented by our own commercialisation efforts. We need to financially sustain ourselves. We need to have some good reputation so that we can attract sponsors and build general confidence in potential investors in our brand, added Marambanyika.
“We also can develop programmes with other players, like those in the NGO sector, who already work in niche communities, which we can then explore for the benefit of football.
“We will sell merchandise, protect the ZIFA trademark, develop a library and archive for content, and introduce our own radio and television channels to ensure many revenue inflows.”
Being a player in the tertiary education sector, Marambanyika said:
“We can strengthen the implementation of FIFA Football for Schools programmes which will then help in the improvement of youth competitions especially in light of the recent introduction of the FIFA biannual World Cup for Under 17 and Under 20 age-groups.
“This will complement the ongoing efforts from grassroots level and general youth development programs. At the end of the day, football should be the winner.”
daglous masveta
