Wenslus Murape
By Onward Gangata
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA presidential aspirant, Marshall Gore believes his global football contacts can be instrumental in reviving football in the country if he is elected to become the next president.
Gore is one of the first people to openly declare their interest in taking over the post of Zifa president.
He has been on a tour meeting the electorate to drum up support ahead of the Zifa elections scheduled for 25 January.
On Sunday he took his campaign to Gweru where he met with Zifa councillors from the Central Region.
While much is not known about his football involvement locally he says he has been actively involved in football for the past 25 years.
He claims to have played for One Commando in the Northern Region lower division leagues as well as the administrator of the Goromonzi Area Zone.
According to Gore, his experience in Zimbabwean football coupled with the connections he has established in Europe, could be what is needed to revive football in the country.
“I believe the combination of my exposure and experience in the UK and my foundation at the Area Zone level and playing for One Commando, if you bring that together as well as my global contacts in football, that can unlock value in Zimbabwean football,” said Gore.
On his unique selling points, Gore feels he brings in a wealth of experience from football administration locally and abroad, good governance, football connections abroad, and a strong passion for grassroots football development.
“What am I going to bring to Zimbabwe football, well I bring a new approach to administration and corporate governance, accessibility to information, and publishing of financials,” he added.
An ardent Warriors fan, who has travelled with the national team to several Afcon tournaments, Gore says grassroots football development should be a priority.
He credits himself for convincing several players based abroad to represent the country.
Players such as Kundai Benyu, Cliff Moyo, Aleck Mudimu, Adam Chicksen, Tendai Darikwa, Admiral Muskwe, and Macauley Bonne are some of those who have availed themselves to represent their country, Zimbabwe.
He remains actively involved in scouting talent in the diaspora under the Team Zimbabwe football initiative and hopes that grassroots football development will be at the epicentre of football under his stewardship.
“We need to come up with a grassroots development fund, where the government will put in money, the corporate world, and Fifa grants. We will talk to the government for the private sector to get tax rebates for putting money into grassroots football which is the foundation of all football,” he said.
Online Reporter
