A FIERCE battle is expected between Piraishe Mabhena and Stanley Mago when the two cross swords for the Eastern Region chairman’s post in Masvingo this morning.
Brian Nkiwane sports reporter
Another contest is looming in the Southern Region where Mandlenkosi Moyo and Musa Mandaza square off.
Felton Kamambo and Willard Manyengavana of the Central and Northern regions respectively, will have automatic entry as they have not been challenged.
Mabhena and Mago, who were both in the previous board, are fighting to succeed former boss Fungai Chihuri who is not seeking re-election as he is eyeing a top post in the Zifa board while Mandaza and Moyo seek to succeed Morgan Dube who has been chairman on acting capacity after the chairman Gift Banda was suspended over the Centralgate scandal. In his election manifesto, Mabhena who has a rich football history dating from 2005, said it was the right time to unify the Eastern region through the development of sport.
“I think the little experience that I have gained since 2005 will help me in making the region a better place for football. Some of my plans are to maintain an organised competitive league that will generate value for stakeholders. I would also want to see the establishment of Zifa offices in Masvingo,” he said in.
He added: “This will not be possible if all the stakeholders are not educated, therefore there is need to start from bottom, educating stakeholders including players, coaches, executive members, administrators sponsors and leadership. The biggest of them all is to source for sponsorship. We really need to have a sponsor for our league to be attractive and I am sure I will be equal to the task ahead of me. What we need to do is to start negotiating to retain the Sylvia Dube trophy which had become a permanent feature on our calendar. ”
His opponent who has been deputy to Chihuri for the past two terms said he would want to continue from where the previous board had left but now as the leader of the group.
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Keep Reading
Full list of ZIFA candidates Eastern Region Stanley Mago, Piraishe Mabhena (chairman), Cyril Mukwewa (vice-chairman), Wisdom Simba, Davison Muchena, Farai Rutsvara (board members)
Southern Region: Mandlenkosi Moyo, Musa Mandaza (chairman), Tawanda Ruzive, Gaylord Madhunguza (vice-chairman), Jabulani Chinyangarara, Tumediso Ndlovu, Sydney Madzvimbo, Bryton Malandule, Patrick Malunga, Khumbulani Malunga, Khumbulani Mbano (board members).
Northern Region: Willard Manyengavana (chairman), vice-chairman Martin Kweza, board members Stanslous Nyachowe, Sweeney Mushonga, Robert Mamvura and John Remba.
Central Region: Felton Kamambo (chairman), Patrick Hill (vice-chairman), Thomas Marambanyika, James Marima, Charlton Moyo, Stanley Chapeta (board members).
