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Lovemore Dube
JERRY Sibanda was yesterday confirmed as chairman of the Highlanders Football Club Legends Association taking over from Douglas Mloyi.
He was unopposed for the post just like his new secretary-general Itai Masawi. They hold similar positions at Eagles, another club they played for.
Soon after taking over Sibanda challenged former players not to only pursue football coaching jobs but to consider other roles in sport like administering.
He said it starts with one being a member of his former club and seeking office there or start at Area Zone level or provincial.
“Colleagues, thank you for the confidence in me and I would like to pay tribute to Douglas Mloyi and his executive.
“Those without Highlanders cards, I challenge you to have them as soon as possible. If you want to be heard and to make a change, first be a card-carrying member of the organisation.
“If you want other positions, start at a lower level and rise from within. If we have our former players in structures that are below Zifa board member, we will be able to put our own people in top positions,” said Sibanda.
He described it as unfortunate that two members of their group were fighting for the same position.
He felt they should have started at a lower level.
“Right now we have two members running for the position of Zifa president, that is a mistake,” said Sibanda.
Benjani Mwaruwari and Makwinji Soma-Phiri are running for the position of Zifa president. Bosso legendary gunman Zenzo Moyo said Sibanda hit the nail on the head.
“Honestly if we are to be involved in the wholesome running of football in the country, we have to start at lower levels and have things like cards,” said Moyo soon after Sibanda’s confirmation and elections.
Oscar Mazhambe of the Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association was the elections’ returning officer.
Sibanda will be deputised by former club utility player Netsai Moyo with Sizabantu Khoza the treasurer.
Former club winger Graham Ncube was voted committee member.
They will serve for two years.
Sibanda said he was happy that the committee cross generational and added that having people like club legend Lawrence Phiri who joined the club as a junior in the mid-1960s was testament of sport and the association uniting different groups of members.
The previous committee was dominated by players from the 1980s era.
Sibanda said as Highlanders they were happy that with Bulawayo Wanderers/Eagles they were setting the pace for other clubs to follow suit and bring former players together.
He emphasised the need to come together as former players and work towards a common vision.
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