Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE 5 O-Levels requirement for the ZIFA presidency and vice-presidency has created a lot of controversy in the election season at the association.
It wouldn’t have been an issue for Professor Thomas Marabanyika if he had chosen to go for the ZIFA presidency or vice-presidency.
Instead, he is running for one of the slots as a ZIFA board member.
Marabanyika is the most educated man among all the candidates who are in the ZIFA poll.
The professor who works for the Midlands State University.
He is also the vice-chairman of the ZIFA Central Region.
He recently unveiled his manifesto ahead of the polls.
Marambanyika’s 10-point plan prioritises good governance, grassroots and youth development, capacity building, women’s football development, brand building, financial sustainability, commercialisation, strengthening schools and tertiary institutions’ participation, improving competitions and infrastructural development.
With a robust academic background and extensive experience in football administration, Marambanyika also boasts an impressive array of sports qualifications, including a sports administration course, a Sports and Recreation Commission certification and a Certificate in Football Good Governance. A seasoned football administrator with over a decade of experience, Marambanyika has served in various organisations and boards since 2013.
“If elected, I promise to bring good governance to ensure compliance with ZIFA Statutes, which will enable us to qualify for CAF and FIFA grants,” he said.
“We will also secure government grants and sponsorship, increasing brand confidence.
“Our focus will be on grassroots and youth development, ensuring ZIFA compliance to receive financial grants for these programmes.
“We will work closely with area zones, elite leagues, provincial, regional, schools and tertiary institutions to organise competitions.
“Women’s football support is also a priority, with capacity building and financial support.
“We will ensure compliance to benefit from FIFA Women’s Football Development Programmes, including women’s football campaigns, league development, capacity building for administrators, club licensing, and coach education.
“We cannot rely solely on FIFA and CAF grants. We need to unlock new revenue streams, such as government grants, commercialisation activities, brand development, and development programmes through NGOs.
“Our commercialisation strategy will include selling merchandise, protecting the ZIFA trademark, licensing manufacturers, developing an archive and library for content and images, and introducing our own radio and TV channel.”
