mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
AS the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) prepares for its upcoming elections, Tizirayi Luphahla, a seasoned sports executive, has thrown his hat into the ring, vying for a position on the board.
With a proven track record in managing substantial budgets, leading cross-functional teams and implementing robust financial controls in the Bulawayo City Council, Luphahla is well-primed to drive Zifa towards financial sustainability and stability.
Luphahla’s vision for Zimbabwean football is centred around financial reform and transparency, ensuring that resources are utilised efficiently and effectively. He also prioritises grassroots development, providing opportunities for young talent to flourish and grow.
“My vision is built on several key pillars. Firstly, I would love to see financial reform and transparency, ensuring that our resources are utilised efficiently and effectively,” said Luphahla.
“We will also prioritise grassroots development, providing opportunities for young talent to flourish and grow. This will be complemented by professional administration, ensuring that our football governing body is run with utmost professionalism and integrity.”
Luphahla is also passionate about advancing women’s football, providing equal opportunities for female players to succeed and thrive.
“We will promote growth and excellence at all educational levels, from primary to tertiary institutions, recognising the critical role that football plays in shaping our young people’s lives,” he said.
Furthermore, Luphahla aims to strive for technical excellence, investing in the development of coaches, referees and players. “This will be supported by infrastructure development, ensuring that our stadiums and facilities meet international standards,” he said.
Luphahla’s approach will be underpinned by economic sustainability, ensuring that the football governing body is financially stable and self-sufficient. “Finally, we will foster international relations, building partnerships with other football governing bodies to promote the development of Zimbabwean football,” he said.
“I believe that together, we can achieve great things and take Zimbabwean football to new heights,” said Luphahla.
Luphahla’s impressive educational background, which includes an MSc in Accounting and Finance, an MBA and a BComm in Accounting, all from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), has equipped him with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of football administration.
Throughout his career, Luphahla has demonstrated his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustainable growth through strategic planning and stakeholder management.
Luphahla has been a member of the Zifa Finance Committee, a member of the Andrew Tapela Southern Region Soccer League (SRSL) and survived the axe that brought in Lloyd Munhanga’s board in 2022.
Luphahla was team manager at Division One side Bulawayo City, defunct Bantu Rovers and Chicken Inn.
With over 40 candidates vying for positions on the Zifa Board, Luphahla’s impressive credentials and passion for football development make him among the contenders to win and help transform Zimbabwe football.
— @innocentskizoe.
