FOLLOWING their election into office last month, the newly-minted Zifa Mashonaland Central provincial board has hit the ground running by initiating high-level engagements with the government to drive football development.
The provincial leadership, headed by veteran football administrator Colonel Edward Mutukwa, paid a courtesy visit to the Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Christopher Magomo at his Bindura offices yesterday.
Mutukwa, who also serves as the patron of Chiweshe-based Division Two side Mutukwa Football Academy, is looking to fulfil his election promise of a radical transformation of the beautiful game in the region.
The primary objective of the visit was to synchronise the board’s footballing agenda with the broader provincial and national development goals.
By fostering a close working relationship with the government, the board aims to merge sports policy with economic initiatives.
“The courtesy visit was for us to have a strategic advice from the resident minister. So that our vision as a board dovetails in the province’s vision and eventually in the country’s vision,” Mutukwa said.
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“The country is pushing an upper to middle economy by 2030, which we believe is attainable and sport can be a major pillar towards that goal as we have already witnessed.”
Mutukwa emphasised that football is more than just a game; it is a catalyst for regional growth:
“Sports is a vehicle for economic development.
“We have discussed this and will spread the initiative across all eight districts and 10 local authorities in the province.
“We want every local authority involved and have football teams.”
Beyond policy alignment, the board is tackling the practical hurdles facing provincial teams, specifically regarding funding and facilities.
A fundraising dinner is already in the works to secure a primary sponsor for the league.
“For the league, we are amassing sponsorship, beginning with a fundraising dinner for the league’s main sponsorship. Preparations start this week,” Mutukwa noted.
“Our goals are to help all struggling teams compete, develop infrastructure to minimum standards, and advance human capital development starting at Zifa level.
“This includes finalising an MoU [memorandum of understanding] with Bindura University.”
The proposed MoU with Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) is set to bridge the gap between academia and professional sports management.
“The MoU will see students at the university being attached in different clubs within the province as well starting with us Zifa,” Mutukwa
explained.
The new administration is also prioritising the growth of women’s football to ensure equal opportunity across the province.
To mark the start of this new era, the board has already donated eight soccer balls to local initiatives.
“We are ensuring the girl child is not left behind; both the boy and girl child will participate.
“In a nutshell, we now have full support, unlike before.
“As a start, we have donated eight soccer balls.”
Mutukwa concluded by expressing confidence in the path ahead, noting that the political will to support sports in the province has never been stronger.
“For the much needed support, doors are open to us, and we have the support of the Provincial Affairs minister.”