On July 25, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) family will gather to elect a new PSL chairman to replace Farai Jere, who left office to contest for the Zifa presidency.
We have followed the pre-electoral manoeuvres and we are happy to report that the run up to the polls has been far much different from that of Zifa — no intimidation and no under-hand or corrupt dealings.
We can safely say there has not been the merry-go-round in the country by candidates to throw away money to the electorate in exchange for votes as has been the case at Zifa despite the power associated with the PSL chairmanship post.
This is so because the contestants and PSL governors — who vote — are far much different from the Zifa assembly because they are administrators of repute and integrity who believe in living by the book and not by hook and crook.
Four candidates Dumisani Sisale of FC Platinum, Masimba Chihowa of Manica Diamonds, Leonard Musariri of Ngezi Platinum Stars and Isaiah Mupfurutsa of Simba Bhora have been confirmed as contestants for the post of PSL chairman.
This is a position whose influence should not be underestimated considering that administrators of repute like the late Morrison Sifelani, Wellington Nyatanga, Twine Phiri, Tendai Madzorera, Tapuwa Matangaidze, and Jere, once occupied that post.
Sifelani — in particular — wanted a Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League that would be stronger and bigger than any other in Africa — one that would produce Africa champions and regularly export talent to Europe.
If Sifelani was around and contesting, we would have backed him to the tilt because we feel —him along with Chris Sibanda —are the best leaders the PSL has ever had since breaking away from Zifa 30 or so years ago.
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The elected PSL chairman will sit on the all-powerful Zifa board and will be the face of the top flight football league in the running of football at national level.
In fact, he will represent the interests of the 18 top flight football teams who are not only the pride of Zimbabwean football but are also the cash-cow of Zifa itself.
On that premise, the PSL should elect a man who cannot and will not be pushed around by fellow members in the Zifa board at the detriment of the development of the league itself.
There are so many challenges that face the PSL not least of which is the challenge for the reduction of the six percent Zifa gate levy which is not serving any purpose.
Referees standards continue to deteriorate with no refresher courses being held at all yet suffering clubs are being deducted six percent on every match played for such purposes.
Coaches too continue to pay hefty fees for attending courses when the gate fees from the PSL should be subsidizing their accommodation fees and for food.
The PSL chairman will also face the challenge of luring sponsors into the league instead of relying sorely on Delta for the Chibuku Super Cup and the Castle Lager PSL championship.
Surely, we need to bring back those days when we had the BAT Super League , the Chibuku Trophy, the Rothmans Shield, and the BAT Rosebowl, all in one season in addition to the Heroes Cup and the Independence Trophy.
These are challenges that require a man who is attractive to sponsors and a man who can also resist the politics at Zifa while at the same time keeping his own feet on the ground.
We know for sure that - as usual — the PSL governors will vote for the right candidate and not the circus we have been subjected to at Zifa over the past few years.
For your views, comments, and suggestions, [email protected] or WhatsApp on 071 0774 596 or call 0773 266 779.
