shloboe boe
Lovemore Dube
FORMER Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda who is chasing another dance with football administration, is confident that he will shape the future of the local game.
Born in Lower Gweru and brought up in Gweru before training and working in Bulawayo where he is now a businessman and farmer, Sibanda says his story is of relentless commitment, strategic pathways and unshakeable belief in the transformative role of sport as a nation builder, wellness driver and a multi-million dollar industry.
For the vice-president’s post, Sibanda is contending with experienced administrators Francis Nyamutsamba, Peter Dube, Kennedy Ndebele and Simba Takavada.
“My unfinished business from previous executives fuels my resolve to pursue constitutionalism, ensuring that administrators operate without hindrance. My advocacy for transparency and accountability across all Zifa structures is not mere rhetoric, it is a commitment to building and fostering a culture of integrity within the organisation.
“Central to my vision is the establishment of comprehensive development programmes for both male and female players. I aim to prioritise junior leagues and women’s football, advocating for all Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams to field youth and female teams in alignment with club licensing requirements. My strategy emphasises nurturing talent from a young age, ensuring that the future of Zimbabwean football is both inclusive and competitive. I aim to rigorously work hand in glove with Nash, Naph, and tertiary colleges to see skills development of future soccer stars cultivated from an early age.
“As I prepare to vie for the esteemed position of vice-president of the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa), my extensive experience and visionary ideals position me as a formidable candidate, poised to redefine the landscape of football in Zimbabwe,” declared Sibanda.
Sibanda has been in football since 1986 when as secretary-general of CMED, he guided the club from Division Four to Three.
“That marked an inception into a career in leadership and ambition,” said Sibanda.
At the tender age of 21, he was elected secretary-general of the Highlanders FC Gweru chapter, which solidified his reputation as a prodigious talent in football governance.
In 1987 he became a Bosso life member and would rise to committee member of the main executive, this being in 2004.
Sibanda says during his tenure he was able to participate in securing the club sponsorship.
“I adeptly navigated the complexities of fundraising, securing sponsorship deals with notable brands such as Savanna, Pacific and Xylocom. These initiatives transcended mere financial transactions, they represented a strategic vision aimed at revitalizing one of Zimbabwe’s most storied football institutions,” said Sibanda.
As he flourished, Sibanda acquired Windermere Hotel, leading to the formation of FC Windermere.
“Under my stewardship, the team ascended through the ranks from Division Two to Division One before I sold the franchise to Bulawayo Chiefs FC. Initially coached by Amin Soma-Phiri, FC Windermere later thrived under the guidance of the renowned Tavaka Gumbo, assisted by Nkosana “Sancho” Gumbo. This venture transcended ownership, it was a manifestation of my unwavering belief in nurturing local talent. Players like Milton Ncube, Richard Jongwe and Shepherd Maregere emerged from FC Windermere, epitomising my commitment to nurturing the next generation of football stars,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda was at one time the president of the Zimbabwe Soccer Players Agents Association.
He managed players like Mthulisi Maphosa, Carrington Gomba, Gilbert Zulu, Elvis Meleka, Evans Rusike and Tendai Ndoro. He facilitated their placement in clubs across Botswana, South Africa and Cyprus.
Sibanda also managed Rahman Gumbo, Willard Khumalo and Mohamed Fathi.
“This solidified my status as a key figure in Zimbabwean football,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda is credited with strengthening Mimosa FC, which later evolved into FC Platinum.
He was able to assist the club recruit coaches and players.
Sibanda said he was among those who founded five-a-side league in Bulawayo in the mid-1990s alongside present national league boss Philani Banda and Sherperd Mpemba. Zenzo Moyo is rated among the best players he worked with there.
Sibanda became Zifa vice-president deputising Cuthbert Dube in 2014.
He said they inherited a legacy fraught with challenges, including financial instability and lack of transparency.
“My forthrightness in addressing these issues, albeit at a personal cost, epitomised my unwavering commitment to accountability — a principle I hold dear. My dedication and determination to raise these critical issues reflects my deep-seated belief that transparency is foundational to restoring trust in football governance,” said Sibanda.
With Dube not completing his term, Sibanda worked under Philip Chiyangwa in the same position.
“Zifa experienced a renaissance, where I played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s qualification for the Afcon in Gabon — a monumental achievement that reverberated throughout the nation. Our collaborative efforts also orchestrated the successful hosting of the Cosafa Women’s tournament in Bulawayo, showcasing local talent while underscoring the economic benefits of sports tourism,” said Sibanda.
Prior to being vice-president, Sibanda was involved in bringing Soul Brothers and Simon Chimbetu to fundraise for the Warriors’ 2004 Afcon finals qualification.
An experienced football administrator, Sibanda has been a Caf match commissioner for Five-A-Side soccer and as Member of Parliament for Vungu, he served in the Portfolio for Sport where he made significant contributions on the Sports Bill.
The aspiring vice-presidency candidate presents a vision that is both ambitious and pragmatic.
Ten-year strategy
Sibanda has an ambitious 10-year strategy that he believes will revolutionise Zimbabwean football through grassroots initiatives.
“I envision a system that identifies and nurtures talent from rural areas and towns, ensuring that aspiring footballers have access to quality training and resources. By tapping into the potential of diaspora players, I will seek to create a robust scouting network that identifies talent both locally and internationally, reinforcing national teams with the best available players,” added Sibanda.
Sibanda’s vision is to also ensure a restructured technical committee that ensures essential coaching badges are readily available.
He said they would have to be a qualified technical director at the helm.
“I am steadfast in my commitment to elevating our referees through rigorous beginner courses, refresher courses, and international courses, ensuring their professionalism and expertise. My vision is for them to confidently officiate at Caf tournaments and the World Cup finals, representing our excellence on the global stage,” he said.
Sibanda wants all aspiring players to have access to balls like what obtains in countries like Brazil.
He will advocate for subsidized Caf and Uefa licence fees for coaches, particularly female coaches and facilitating international placements for further qualifications.
Sibanda wants a transformative football environment where soccer will be used to promote personal growth and community cohesion while fighting effectively drug and substance abuse. His desire is to see young athletes thrive on and off the field.
With Zimbabwe Under-17s having pulled out of a major tournament last week with 10 days to go before their clash with Ethiopia, Sibanda says that would be a thing of the past as all national teams will be visible through participation in Cosafa, Caf and Fifa tournaments such as World Cup qualifiers.
“I believe exposure to competitive environments is crucial for nurturing high-quality players capable of representing Zimbabwe on the global stage,” said Sibanda.
A critical component of Zifa’s operations would be to enhance financial and marketing sustainability. He said he would advocate for a pro-active marketing committee to source sponsorship and commercial opportunities, transforming Zifa into an attractive brand for potential investors.
He said with transformation Zifa’s status will be enhanced and emphasized the need for oversight role for sub committees in their relations with the secretariat so that there is harmony.
“By building a culture of collaboration, I will aim to ensure that financial resources are allocated effectively to support football development initiatives, he said.
Sibanda said he would push for a First Instance Board (Grounds Committee) tasked with ensuring the quality of playing surfaces across the country is improved through engagement of stadia owners.
He emphasised the importance of a communications desk in nurturing engagement with stakeholders. He said he would ensure competent people are engaged.
“By enhancing Zifa’s online presence and social media engagement, I will aim to foster a more connected and informed football community,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda wants Five-A-Side football adequately supported and taken to prisons.
Like Five-A-Side beach football would need attention and support and to benefit from the national association and international mother body.
A robust competition network across all age groups, incorporation of legends into the football ecosystem will be among his priorities and revival of the Zifa Cup.
No football stakeholder will be left out if Sibanda lands the Zifa vice presidency.
Sibanda is secretary-general of FMSA Umguza Academy a collaboration with Isaac Mbedzi, who manages an academy in Canada with Allan Mpofu overseeing operations in Zimbabwe.
Sibanda said he is ready to serve and has renewed passion for the local game and vowed to ensure the Zifa Assembly stays the Parliament of Football in Zimbabwe with constitutionality key.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
