FC PLATINUM Queens chairperson Chido Chizondo, a long-standing figure in Zimbabwean football, is ready to serve as she bid for the Zimbabwe Women Soccer League chairmanship in a highly anticipated election in Harare tomorrow.
Chizondo, a trailblazer who has navigated a male-dominated environment for over a decade, is looking to leverage her extensive experience to revolutionise women’s football in the country.
The upcoming polls will see Chizondo challenging Black Rhinos Queens’ Ntokoziso Moyo for the league’s top position, while Lewis Muzhara of Correctional Queens is vying for the vice-chairperson role.
The election comes at a critical juncture for Zimbabwean women’s football, which, despite the continent-wide surge in popularity of the women’s game, has noticeably lagged behind, due to a litany of challenges including a severe lack of sponsorship and a glaring inequity between female and male footballers.
Chizondo, renowned for her decade-long tenure as spokesperson for four-time league champions FC Platinum, has openly expressed her determination to usher in a new era of proactive leadership.
“Becoming a woman in football, particularly during a time when opportunities were just beginning to emerge, has granted me a remarkable chance to evolve within the sport,” Chizondo stated, reflecting on her journey.
“Having a voice as a woman was nearly considered taboo, bringing its own set of challenges. My experiences have enabled me to dismantle cultural barriers, creating pathways for more women to enter the field.”
She emphasises her passion for mentoring and empowering the next generation.
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“Over the past 13 years, I have actively contributed to this movement, and now I aim to create even more opportunities from a leadership role to advocate for the development of women footballers who have long dreamed of a place in the sport,” she said.
Chizondo’s campaign is built on eight key focus areas, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to revitalising the league.
These include Professional Governance, Commercialisation and Resource Mobilisation, Talent Development and Youth Pathways, Brand Enhancement, Welfare and Empowerment, Stakeholder Engagement and Management, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptation and Infrastructure Development.
Chizondo asserts that the time for excuses is over, highlighting the need for a hands-on-deck leader.
She believes the women’s league desperately needs a clear strategic direction that aligns with the mandates of Zifa and Fifa. While acknowledging the need for patience and commitment, she envisions a future where the women’s league can emulate the successes of the male Premier Soccer League.
The election, set for tomorrow, is seen as a watershed moment for women’s football in Zimbabwe.
It will also usher in a new leadership for the Premier Soccer League with Ngezi Platinum Stars chairperson Leonard Musariri, FC Platinum’s Dumisani Sisale, Simba Bhora’s Isaiah Mupfurutsa and Manica Diamonds boss Masimba Chihowa all having declared their candidacy for chairman position.
