By Sports Reporter
With the nation standing hours from a new ZIFA executive, businessman and philanthropist, Wicknell Chivhayo has committed to sponsoring ZIFA to the tune of US$10 million if Nqobile Magwizi wins the election set for Harare today.
“A DEFINING MOMENT FOR ZIMBABWEAN FOOTBALL…Barely 24 hours from now, Zimbabwe’s football fraternity will stand on the brink of a MOMENTOUS OCCASION—the election of a new ZIFA President and Board.” Chivhayo said on social media.
Chivhayo emphasised the role that football has in ensuring unity and urged the election to be a point in redefining soccer in Zimbabwe and potentially reigniting the commercial value soccer has in other countries, a fate he believes will succeed under Magwizi’s leadership.
“This is no ordinary event, as it marks a CRITICAL JUNCTURE in the journey of our nation’s most beloved sport. Over the years, football has UNITED ZIMBABWEANS from all walks of life, igniting passion and pride across the nation. The time has come for ZIFA to be reimagined as a DYNAMIC ORGANIZATION that delivers on its core objectives of DEVELOPING FOOTBALL and driving its COMMERCIAL GROWTH.”
Furthermore, “The association certainly needs a leader who understands GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY and the BUSINESS OF FOOTBALL. It is time to restore the GLORY OF ZIMBABWEAN FOOTBALL with visionary leadership, integrity, and professionalism that transcends past failures.” Chivhayo reiterated.
Chivhayo emphasised that the standing contribution to football by Magwizi coupled by his business expertise will go a long way in redefining Zimbabwean football, a fate hoped for by most Zimbabweans.
“I have carefully reviewed the candidates vying for ZIFA’s top position, reflecting on the needs of our footballing community at this critical time. Among the candidates, one name stands out—NQOBILE MAGWIZI. This is one RESPECTED businessman with considerable expertise spanning finance, marketing and sports administration. His track record includes securing MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR sponsorships for Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC, demonstrating a blend of competence and PASSION for the sport. Zimbabwe needs this caliber of leadership to TRANSFORM ZIFA into a world-class institution capable of revitalizing our football legacy.” Chivhayo said.
Chivhayo who has been a headline following his generous car giving spate promised to give 10 Million dollars to ZIFA for grassroots development , a two hundred thousand dollar landcruiser and cars to all other board members if Magwizi takes helm.
“If NQOBILE MAGWIZI wins, I am committed to making BOLD CONTRIBUTIONS to support his VISION for football. To begin with, he will immediately “GO AND SEE VICTOR ” and get himself a brand new 2025 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 300 SERIES worth USD 200 000– a car befitting the status of a ZIFA President. After Mr Magwizi takes office , with his authority i will also motivate the newly elected Board members and all Councillors countrywide, each of them will also receive brand new vehicles, details of which I will disclose at a later stage. Furthermore, and as part of my companies’ collective CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY initiatives, I will set aside a budget of USD10 MILLION in cash to SPONSOR ZIFA and spearhead the revival of football administration in Zimbabwe. These funds will be strategically directed towards GRASSROOTS development, operational excellence and the sport’s commercialization. Further details of this sponsorship will however only be finalized and disclosed after Magwizi’s victory and the inauguration of the new Board” Chivhayo highlighted.
While Chivhayo is not new to supporting soccer, as he recently sponsored Scotland Football Club, and previously supported the Phillip Chiyangwa led ZIFA, the election has been riddled with controversy following an unsuccessful appeal by popular prophet, Walter Magaya.
Magwizi will contest against CAPS United owner, Twine Phiri, former footballer Makwinji Soma-Phiri, Marshal Gore, Martin Kweza and Philemon Machana, in an election that Zimbabweans hope will bring glory days to Zimbabwean football