mbulelo smpofu
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
IN the wake of numerous challenges that have hindered the growth of local football, Kennedy Ndebele, a candidate for the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) vice presidency, has vowed to address the issues that have plagued the game for the past 15 years if elected into office.
Ndebele, the outgoing Premier Soccer League (PSL) chief executive officer, highlighted his understanding of the critical nature of the vice president’s role, which encompasses policy formulation, strategic planning, implementation, and representing the organisation’s image.
“The vice president must have comprehensive knowledge of the FA’s operations across various departments while being mature enough to guide and empower developments for effective programme implementation. The vice president must work in harmony with the FA president, who is the leader driving progress and success for the organisation and its leadership team. Over the past 15 years, Zimbabwean football has faced countless challenges.
“The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent suspension of Fifa membership worsened the situation, leaving the sport in urgent need of reform across all areas. We need to address that mess. It is crucial to recognise the necessity for and commit to, a paradigm shift in governance and operational approaches across the football organisation,” said Ndebele.
His campaign is built on 11 key pillars, which focus on reorganisation, governance, capacity building, club licensing, decentralisation, grassroots and youth football, women’s football development, collective responsibility, communication, marketing and competitive participation.
Ndebele, who has previously criticised governance issues at the country’s football governing body, will face competition from former Zifa vice president Omega Sibanda, ex-PSL and Highlanders chairman (and current Bosso board member) Peter Dube, James Takavada and Francis Nyamutsamba.
Ndebele underscored the importance of collaboration with the Zifa president and other stakeholders to implement effective programmes and reforms.
“My key commitments include working closely with the president, providing support and being available at all times to fulfil roles assigned by the president or to stand in for him.
“I will remain informed about the organisation’s activities, including those of sub-committees, and will offer guidance to ensure robust strategic planning and implementation of policies. I am dedicated to principled and focused leadership, fostering a culture of prompt decision-making, communication and policy enforcement,” said Ndebele.
He brings a wealth of experience from various leadership roles in football, having served as Highlanders’ secretary and chairman, and as the co-ordinator of the 2009 Cosafa tournament. He also worked as the marketing director for the African Union Sports Council Region Five Games hosted by Zimbabwe a few years ago.
Ndebele’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Politics and Administration from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), a Diploma in Management of Olympic Sport Organisations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and a Fifa Futuro III Regional Instructor Administration and Management Certificate. — @FungaiMuderere
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
