Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
BLACK Rhinos chairman, Edward Mutukwa, a serving colonel in the Zimbabwe National Army, who honed his football administration skills at Buffaloes in Mutare, is convinced that he still has more to offer to the development of the game, this time, at the game’s national administration level.
The soft-spoken, yet resolute football administrator, who chaired the Buffaloes executive committee in Mutare, thus has his heart in Manicaland, was at the forefront of the homologation of Vengere Stadium in Rusape in 2022 when Mutare had no match venue fit to host top-flight league matches.
Having a military background, Mutukwa believes he will add value to the national administration of the game by instilling a sense of financial discipline.
Mutukwa said: “My aim is to eradicate financial mismanagement and irregularities. I aim to align institutional procedures to regional and international standards, integrate data analytics with existing systems for scouting, coaching and sports science departments, achieve seamless data exchange amongst affiliates and stakeholders, reinvigorate grassroots development structures and associate systems,” he said.
An astute administrator with experience spanning over 20 years, Mutukwa was heavily involved with Buffaloes in Mutare when the club was in the Premier Soccer League, revived the waning fortunes of Black Rhinos before their relegation from the PSL in 2023.
“I will, not only bring my wealth of experience into ZIFA if elected, but also the discipline and stability that is needed for the association to be attractive to sponsorship,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Committee has clarified the eligibility of affiliate members to vote on January 25, amid growing speculation that those owing affiliation fees could be barred from casting their ballots.
“There is no nexus between affiliation fees and this election, and every member will be allowed to send their delegates to vote. Whether there is a member still owing affiliation fees or not, that is not going to affect their voting, and the Electoral Committee would like to make it clear that there is a pronouncement to such effect.
“It might be a rumour being peddled during the campaigning between candidates and councillors, but the Electoral Committee has not made any pronouncement, and it is a mere compliance issue for which no deadlines have been made by the administration,’’ stated the Electoral Committee.
