GRAY Hama is a name that is quickly becoming synonymous with a new era for the Eastern Region Division 1 Soccer League.
As the owner of Grayham FC, Hama has spent years watching the league struggle with outdated structures, inconsistent fixtures and a lack of visibility.
Now, with a clear vision and a determination to bring the region’s football into the modern age, he is putting himself forward as vice-chairperson for the Zifa regional elections scheduled for December 14, promising a league that is professional, transparent and inclusive.
Hama’s first priority is to overhaul the league’s branding.
He envisions a fresh logo, a cohesive colour scheme and a digital identity that can be recognised not only across the region but on national and even continental platforms.
“We need a brand that tells a story of growth, pride and ambition,” Hama told NewsDay Sport.
Alongside the visual refresh, he plans to introduce a structured competition format that balances competitiveness with fairness, ensuring that every team—whether from a bustling city club or a remote rural village—has a clear path to success.
A cornerstone of Hama’s agenda is the introduction of digital systems to manage fixtures, registrations and communications.
By moving to an online platform, clubs will receive real‑time updates, referees will be allocated more efficiently, and fans will have instant access to schedules, results and highlights.
This digital backbone will also enable better media visibility: live streams, match highlights and social‑media content will be produced in partnership with local broadcasters and influencers, bringing the excitement of Eastern Region football to a wider audience.
Transparency is another pillar of Hama’s plan.
He has pledged to publish regular financial reports, budgets and meeting resolutions so that every stakeholder—clubs, players, officials and supporters—knows exactly how resources are being allocated.
“Openness builds trust,” he explains. “When clubs see where their contributions go, they are more motivated to give their best on the pitch.”
To enforce this, Hama intends to set clear performance standards and deliverables for all league officials, tracking progress and holding leaders accountable.
Inclusivity is at the heart of his manifesto.
Youth development, women’s football, rural talent and grassroots programmes will receive dedicated funding and support.
Hama wants every district, club, player and official to have a voice in decision‑making, ensuring that the league serves the whole region, not just a privileged few.
He also plans to launch a robust sponsorship strategy, seeking corporate partnerships that can provide the financial muscle needed to upgrade facilities, fund youth academies and improve referee training.
Hama’s vision is ambitious, but grounded in practical steps.
By combining fresh branding, structured competition, digital innovation, transparent governance and a commitment to inclusivity, he aims to transform the Eastern Region Football League into a model of modern African football—one that reflects the region’s passion, talent and pride while delivering real, measurable benefits to every stakeholder involved.
Meanwhile, the chairmanship of the Eastern Region Soccer League is also heating up.
Incumbent Wisdom Simba is seeking a new term, promising continuity and experience, while challenger Special Matarirano is campaigning on a platform of fresh ideas and greater accountability.
The race adds another layer of excitement to the upcoming elections, and whichever side prevails will shape the direction of the league alongside the vice‑chairmanship bid of Hama.