daniel chigunwe
Don Makanyanga and Lovemore Dube
ELEVEN years ago, Twine Phiri and Omega Sibanda met after being elected as ZIFA board members, under the leadership of Cuthbert Dube.
They had been picked Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson and ZIFA vice president, respectively.
As if on cue, both men are back in the trenches seeking a return to the ZIFA leadership.
However, this time, Phiri is eyeing the presidency, while Sibanda wants another crack at being vice president.
Coincidentally, both men, who claim to be driven by passion and some unfinished business with the association, used the weekend to launch their 2025 manifestos.
Phiri was in Harare, while Sibanda unveiled his plan in Bulawayo.
Former CAPS United owner Phiri told a press conference that he was eager to return and drive the ZIFA ship after leading the PSL.
“I am here to announce my candidature for the ZIFA presidency. I am really passionate about football. This is a pivotal moment for the future of Zimbabwe football, and I am committed to lead the country to a brighter and prosperous era in Zimbabwe football,’’ said Phiri.
“I have been at the helm of CAPS United and also led the Premier Soccer League.
“In my era as the PSL chairperson, I managed to bring in sponsors and I still have the capacity to do so.
“I have unfinished business with Zimbabwe football, which, if unlocked, will see us becoming a powerhouse.”
He said he was ready to work with all stakeholders, including the Government and like-minded football people on the board.
“For us to succeed, we need the input of everyone, and I am ready to work with anyone who is elected.”
Sibanda, on the other hand, is confident that he will shape the future of the local game.
He says his story is one of relentless commitment, strategic pathways and an unshakeable belief in the transformative role of sport as a nation-builder, wellness driver and multi-million-dollar industry.
“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 am to prioritise junior leagues and women’s football, advocating all Premier Soccer League 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,’’ Sibanda said.
“I aim to rigorously work hand in glove with NASH (National Association of Secondary Heads), NAPH (National Association of Primary Heads) 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, my extensive experience and visionary ideals position me as a formidable candidate poised to redefine the landscape of football in Zimbabwe.”
Sibanda has been in football since 1986, when, as secretary-general of CMED, he guided the club from Division Four to Division Three.
In 1987, he became a Highlanders life member and would eventually rise to committee member of the main executive in 2004.
“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 revitalising one of Zimbabwe’s most storied football institutions,” added Sibanda.
As he flourished in business, 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,” he said.
“Players like Milton Ncube, Richard Jongwe and Shepherd Maregere emerged from FC Windermere, epitomising my commitment to nurturing the next generation of football stars.”
Sibanda was at one time the president of the Zimbabwe Soccer Players Agents Association.
He managed players who included Mthulisi Maphosa, Carrington Gomba, Gilbert Zulu, Elvis Meleka, Evans Rusike and Tendai Ndoro.
Sibanda is credited with strengthening Mimosa FC, which later evolved into FC Platinum.
He was able to assist the club recruit coaches and players.
At ZIFA, he deputised Dube in 2014.
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,” Sibanda claimed.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
