Gloves off in Southern Region elections
OUTGOING Zifa Southern Region board members, Bryton Malandule and Tumediso Mokoena will be seeking another term in office.
The two board members revealed they have thrown their names in the hat but it will not be smooth sailing with a number of potential challengers set to challenge for the posts.
While most Zifa affiliate elections held this year have been characterised by little contests for board positions, it is set to be a different scenario in the Southern Region elections with former ZRP Byo chairman, Fiso Siziba and ZPC Hwange secretary, Mehluli Thebe set to give the incumbents a challenge.
Malandule said they managed to clinch several sponsorships and cup competitions, the monetary value has not been synonymous with Division One and they would be using the upcoming tenure to get more sponsorship.
“Yes, we managed to get the sponsorships but I think monetary wise they have not met the expectations of the teams. I feel the faltering economy has played a role as funders have only little to spare. Clubs need higher financial rewards.
“However, I think we can still engage more sponsors and find a few that would meet the expectations of teams. We are still saddled with finding a title sponsor for the league and I think we can come up with one in the next four years,” he said.
The board member responsible for finance said lowering affiliation fees by $500 was one of the highlights of their term.
Drogba, as Mokoena is popularly known, said with the experience gained in his first term, he is better prepared to lead the region.
Siziba said being part of the Zimbabwe Republic Police has given experience which he feels is needed in the game.
“I have a background of ethics and good code of conduct which I learnt from the force which I believe has been lacking in the game. I appreciate the work that has been done by the current executive but there is a feeling its time they make way for other administrators,” he said.
Outgoing chairman, Musa Mandaza, whose flirtation with football leadership dates back to before independence, is also seeking re-election but will face a serious challenge from seasoned administrator, former Zifa provincial member and Highlanders secretary general Andrew Tapela.
Vice-chairman, Gaylord Madhunguza is set to be up for re-election while it could not be ascertained if board member Khumbulani Mbano will be standing again.