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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
A top Mutare-based lawyer has entered the race for the Zifa Eastern Region chairmanship that fell vacant following the election of Piraishe Mabhena into the Zifa board in December last year. Former Eastern Lions secretary-general and respected lawyer Ashel Mutungura told Chronicle Sport yesterday that he wants to bring professionalism to the region in order to attract corporate sponsorship.

Mutungura, 39, said he wants to bring his vast experience in football administration into the league, which he believes is the niche for future national team players.

“At the moment there’s a dispute involving Masvingo United and Mutare City Rovers because of how licensing was done. That should be a thing of the past. I’ll ensure clubs are well equipped, especially in club licensing. I want to bring efficiency, transparency and fairness into the region,” said Mutungura.

The elections will be held on February 20 as per the Zifa board’s resolution earlier this month.

Mutungura started his football administration as an official of Nyika United before it was promoted into Division One as Eastern Lions. The team was later sold to Bantu Rovers.

In 2010, he was elected into the Manicaland provincial football committee as secretary-general. Former Premier Soccer League side Buffaloes appointed him as a legal executive committee member in 2013.

“I believe I’m the right candidate for the post. There’s a lot that needs to be done in the region. Football is all about corporate support and that’ll be one of my key result areas once voted into office,” Mutungura said.

According to sources, Mutungura is likely to face the challenge of Harare-based Masvingo United chairman Special Matarirano and Zifa Eastern Region board member finance Davison Muchena.