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Onward Gangata
ASPIRING Zifa presidential candidate, Marshall Gore, believes his vast network in global football can jumpstart the revitalisation of football in Zimbabwe if he secures the presidency.
Gore is one of the first presidential hopefuls to publicly announce his candidacy and is actively campaigning to win support ahead of the elections on January 25 next year.
He recently met with Zifa councillors from the Central Region during a visit to Gweru.
Gore’s involvement in local football may not be widely known, but he revealed that he has been a part of the football community for over 25 years, playing for One Commando in the Northern Region lower divisions and serving as an administrator for the Goromonzi Area Zone.
Gore believes his extensive experience in Zimbabwe football, coupled with his European connections, gives him confidence that he can play a pivotal role in revitalising and rescuing football in the country.
“I believe the combination of my exposure and experience in the UK and my foundation at the Area Zone level and playing for One Commando, if you bring that together, as well as my global contacts in football, can unlock value for Zimbabwean football,” said Gore.
On his unique selling points, Gore feels he brings a wealth of experience from football administration locally and abroad, good governance, football connections abroad and a strong passion for grassroots football development.
“What am I going to bring to Zimbabwe football? Well, I bring a new approach to administration and corporate governance, accessibility to information and publishing of financials,” he said.
An ardent Warriors fan, who has travelled with the national team to several Afcon tournaments, Gore says grassroots football development should be a priority.
He credits himself for convincing several players based abroad to represent the country.
Players such as Kundai Benyu, Cliff Moyo, Aleck Mudimu, Adam Chicksen, Tendai Darikwa, Admiral Muskwe and Macauley Bonne are some of those who have availed themselves to represent their country.
He remains actively involved in scouting talent in the diaspora under the Team Zimbabwe football initiative and hopes grassroots football development will be at the epicentre of football under his stewardship.
“We need to come up with a grassroots development fund, where the Government will put in money, the corporate world and Fifa grants.
“We will talk to the Government for the private sector to get tax rebates for putting money into grassroots football which is the foundation of all football,” he said.
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