NGEZI Platinum Stars chairman Leonard Musariri has expressed his desire to transform the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and usher in a new era of professionalism and commercial success if he wins the chairmanship at the upcoming elections.
Musariri is one of four candidates vying for the PSL chairmanship, alongside former Dynamos chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa now with Simba Bhora, Masimba Chihowa of Manica Diamonds and Dumisani Siwale of FC Platinum.
With Kenneth Mhlophe of Highlanders running unopposed for the vice-chairperson position, the stage is set for a pivotal election that could redefine the trajectory of Zimbabwean club football.
Musariri’s blend of practical club management experience and ambitious commercial vision positions him as a compelling contender for the top job.
His journey in football administration began in 2020 when he was appointed vice-chairman of Ngezi Platinum Stars by Zimplats.
His swift ascent saw him become the club’s chairman in 2021.
Under his leadership, Ngezi Platinum Stars achieved notable milestones, including reaching the Chibuku Super Cup finals twice — in 2022 (runners-up to FC Platinum) and 2023 (runners-up to Dynamos) — before culminating in their historic first league championship win in 2023.
“When the new Zifa executive committee revealed that there would be elections for the Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League on July 25, 2025, to fulfil a constitutional requirement, it sparked something special in the inner me,” he said.
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“That something special has been a long-cherished desire of mine to make my contribution to the growth of Zimbabwean football on a bigger and national scale after already entered the elite game level through Ngezi Platinum Stars.
“As such I did not think twice about throwing my hat in the ring and taking up the challenge and that is why I hit the ground running, making public my intentions and engaging with the PSL’s stakeholders.”
His manifesto, a comprehensive outline of his vision, is anchored on three core principles: Unity, Professionalism, and Transparency.
Musariri believes the PSL, while on a firm footing, needs to transcend into the next level and this can only be achieved through these pillars and the implementation of various initiatives.
He emphasised the importance of a collective approach, stating: “Together we can and in the true spirit of Ubuntu: ‘I am because you are.’ Thus, with that spirit, we can achieve the goal that we have of making our PSL a glamorous and professional league.”
One of Musariri’s key proposals revolves around strengthening individual clubs.
He pledges to establish each individual club’s challenges and help find how to solve them, leading to the PSL’s success.
Furthermore, he recognises the critical role of robust financial backing.
“Sponsorship and facilities are the cornerstones upon which clubs can implement their various programmes,” Musariri said.
He envisions securing more corporate partnerships and lucrative league sponsorship deals to provide clubs with vital incentives.
The relationship between the PSL and the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) is another crucial area Musariri intends to address.
As Zifa’s largest affiliate and a significant revenue generator, he stresses the need for a symbiotic and healthy relationship between the two entities.
“As such, it is imperative that the Zifa-PSL relationship is at best kept as symbiotic and healthy as can be humanely possible for the sustainability of Zimbabwe’s football,” he states.
The Ngezi Platinum Stars chairman plans to leverage Zifa’s support for capacity-building programs from Fifa, Caf and Cosafa, and foster engagement with national regulatory bodies like the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) and government arms.
Crucially, Musariri is a strong advocate for the commercialisation of Zimbabwean football.
“It is now common knowledge that the world over, football as has evolved into a billion-dollar industry, creating huge employment opportunities and contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP) of many countries,” he said.
“Zimbabwe should not be an exception and should not miss out on this big cake that can transform lives. I notice and acknowledge the efforts made by individual clubs in uplifting the standards of the PSL and subsequently maintain both its vibrancy and sustainability.
“I do acknowledge the foundational initiatives started by the PSL under the chairmanship of Farai Jere including the game-changing land acquisition for purposes of constructing the league’s offices.”
Musariri also intends to lobby strongly against the heavy taxation currently burdening clubs, individuals and corporate partners, citing instances of double taxation.
He believes the government, through the SRC, should provide grants, tax breaks and waivers on imported football equipment.
