Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS he looked to wind off his campaign, ZIFA presidential hopeful Philemon Machana has rolled out a detailed plan of action that he believes could restore and revitalise Zimbabwean football glory.
The former ZIFA board member, finance, will battle against Marshall Gore, Twine Phiri, Makwinji Soma Phiri, and Nqobile Magwizi in the much-anticipated elections in Harare on Saturday.
Machana’s strategy, which aims at unifying stakeholders and promoting sustainable growth, is also centred around grassroots engagement.
If elected, Machana says his first priority would be the immediate formation of committees drawn largely from councillors, including independent judicial bodies, to assist in the football administration.
He also plans to organise a multi-stakeholder national football symposium that will contribute towards inclusivity and unification.
Machana says he will only serve for one four-year term if elected, but he believes he can lay the ground-work for 15-year long ZIFA strategic plan.
He has urged the elective congress to back his candidature saying his election bid is premised on a legacy of achievements, among them expunging ZIFA’s USD$12 million legacy debt in 2019, a move that made the association “debt-free for the first time in more than two decades.”
“I was part of the ZIFA board that cleared ZIFA’s USD$12 million legacy debt in 2019.
“When I was a board member, finance ZIFA consistently received clean financial audits, and we ensured Zimbabwe’s qualification for three AFCON tournaments and two CHAN finals.
“I was also instrumental in the resumption of FIFA grants, which had been suspended due to previous issues with accountability,” he said.
The Warriors qualified for the AFCON finals in 2017, 2019, and 2021 with Machana, a member of the ZIFA executive committee under different presidents.
Zimbabwe will be back at the biannual continental football showcase to be held in Morocco in December.
And Machana has vowed to spearhead fundraising efforts to ensure Zimbabwe’s successful participation at the 2025 AFCON finals as well as re-launch junior leagues for both boys and girls in all the provinces.
“Additionally, the aim is also to revive mass participation programmes through grassroots football initiatives across the country.
“We intend to secure regional offices and ensure the timely delivery of outstanding assets, such as buses and equipment, to strengthen football operations,” said Machana.
He also insisted that he is committed to pushing for the homologation of at least one stadium to meet international standards.
Currently, Zimbabwe has no stadium that can host international matches.
“We also need to initiate a constitutional review programme that will address clauses of concern, ensuring inclusivity of all, including former football players,” says Machana.
Machana’s resource allocation plan for ZIFA affiliates includes distributing 50 percent of the ZIFA levy from men’s PSL teams, subsidising administrative costs, and partnering with external stakeholders like the SRC and consultancy firms to secure sponsorship deals.
“The allocation of resources to ZIFA affiliates is designed to enhance football administration and development.
“This includes the immediate sharing of 50 percent of the ZIFA levy collected from men’s PSL teams, allocated to affiliates based on an agreed formula.
“It will also involve subsidising administrative costs through salary support and providing replicas to members for resale, with affiliates retaining a set commission.
“Additionally, there will be collaboration with external stakeholders, such as the SRC and consultancy firms, to secure sponsorship deals that benefit the entire ZIFA membership.
“Developmental grants will also be allocated to each affiliate as agreed,” he said.
Machana, who founded the women’s football side Conduit Soccer Academy, says his passion for women’s football development is well documented.
“If elected, I will direct resources to support the Women’s Premier Soccer League and help secure funding for grassroots development.
“I am committed to ensuring that women’s football receives the attention and support it deserves.
“Moving forward, we will collaborate with UN agencies and NGOs to professionalise and commercialise women’s football in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Interestingly, Machana revealed that he would serve one term if elected.
“I have a clear mission which is to reset and revolutionise our football systems, develop a 15-year strategic plan for sustainable growth, and foster unity to create opportunities for players, coaches, and fans alike.”
Looking ahead, Machana wants to see a ZIFA that has a revitalised youth football structure, including changes to lower-tier leagues to allow more space for young talent to thrive.
“If you believe in fair play, accountability, and the growth of football, then support my vision for a better future.
“Let’s work together to clean up the sport, empower women, improve infrastructure, and bring back confidence to Zimbabwe’s football. Together, we can make football a source of pride for every Zimbabwean,” Machana said.
