He bemoans lack of sponsorship
ZIFA Eastern Region Division One administrator Tedious Machawira said the region has more developed soccer than any other regions. He added that lack of sponsorship hindered many clubs from surviving in the premiership.
Machawira was speaking on the sidelines of the Mbaradza Memorial Tournament last Saturday at Sakubva Stadium.
“Eastern Region has more developed soccer than any other regions. This is evident by the number of great players that we have produced over the years. The list is endless of quality players that we have produced as a region. We can also talk of the national youth games soccer teams. For the past four years we have been doing well. It has always been Masvingo or Mutare.
“We can talk of schools like Pamushana Mission, Chemhanza and Deure. The only challenge that we have is lack of sponsorship.
Most of our Division One clubs do not have a sponsor and it has been the greatest hindrance to full development of the sport in the region,” he said.
Machawira urged Eastern Region coaches and managers to undertake coaching courses.
“We may be doing very well in terms of developing the sport in our region but the main challenge that we now face is that of coaches and managers who do not have any qualifications.
“We urge all our teams to send their coaches, administrators, managers and executives to these coaching courses so that we all become knowledgeable and it will improve our game.
“We have many people who claim to know soccer and yet they do not know anything. Most of them only talk of soccer and yet they do not have any qualifications. This time around we will force people to go and learn. Today we witnessed this young Sheckon Stars coach who guided his side to victory but it is so sad that the boy does not have any papers even Level One,” he said.
The Eastern Region official also took a swipe at the allegations that his office are paid for league promotions. Teams and supporters always accuse ZIFA official for colluding with referees to determine which club should make it to the PSL. There are also allegations of match fixing and bribery.
“I am surprised that I am always accused by Mutare people on promotion. They always say I favour other teams outside Mutare. They do not acknowledge our good works that we have done over the years.
“Statistics say more teams from Mutare got promoted. We can talk of Buffaloes FC, Dongo Sawmill and Mutare City Rovers. People must first get all the statistics right than just airing accusations.
“If we look at the current log standings, three teams from Mutare are currently topping the tables. The level of competition is stiff,” he added.