Sinokubonga Nkala
Lovemore Dube, lovemore.dube@chronicle.co.zw
MODERN “Voltage” Ngwenya who is vying for the post on the Zifa board in elections to be held on January 25 believes ethical conduct is key in football administration.
Ngwenya is seeking election at a time when all eyes are on councillors who have been accused of plunging football into the mess that invited Fifa to put in place a Normalisation Committee.
Already in the build-up to the next election, former football star Collin Semwayo has pulled out of the election after five councillors demanded US$300 each to nominate him.
Others are said to have paid over US$800 and taken councillors to Warriors matches outside the country as enticement.
Ngwenya said: “Ethical considerations surrounding leadership in sports cannot be overstated.
“My position to forgo a higher position in favour of contributing as a Zifa board member speaks volumes about my character.
“It illustrates selfless dedication to the sport, prioritising the collective success of Zimbabwe football over personal advancement.
“This is the hallmark of a true leader — one who understands that leadership is not about titles but about making a meaningful impact,” said Ngwenya.
Zimbabwe football has not prioritised fundamentals as people have jostled for power or their friends to be at the helm for favours to be returned later.
Ngwenya said he is coming for the sake of the future of the game and realises its social and economic impact to communities and the country.
“By electing me, stakeholders will be endorsing a vision for a thriving, inclusive and ethically governed football community.
“My leadership promises to usher in an era of growth and success, ensuring that Zimbabwean football continues to inspire generations to come,” said Ngwenya.
Ngwenya said once elected he would challenge his board and its subordinate structures to adapt to modern challenges for all facets of the game.
“My commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical governance aligns perfectly with the expectations of stakeholders who demand integrity in administration,” said Ngwenya.
He said junior development engagement should ensure sustainable practices that will lay a foundation for a resilient football ecosystem.
Collaboration and inclusivity, he said would be present in his leadership.
Ngwenya was acting chairman of Highlanders after Peter Dube was suspended by the Phillip Chiyangwa board in 2016.
So he became an Assembly member of Zifa and is familiar with operations at that level and is excited about the prospect of being among the drivers of the local game which he believes has so much potential.
Among his successes, he said, was the negotiation of the Sakunda and BancABC sponsorships for Highlanders.
mbulelo smpofu
