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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
SIX candidates are vying for the four Zifa Southern Region executive committee positions in elections on October 14.

Former Chicken Inn, Bantu Rovers and Bulawayo City manager Tizirayi Luphahla, Mosi Rovers chairman Mwanda Mubita, former ZRP Bulawayo chairman Fiso Siziba and ZPC Hwange secretary Mehluli Thebe are all challenging the incumbents.

Bryton Malandule and Tumediso Mokoena-Ndlovu are seeking re-election.

Luphahla, an internal auditor at Bulawayo City Council, said his desire is to improve corporate governance in the region and work on establishing partnerships with the corporate world.

“I have been in soccer administration for the past 10 years and I think it’s time I contribute towards the development of the game in the region. My desire is to reshape the Southern Region so that it’s within modern soccer trends and emphasise the need of taking soccer as business,” said Luphahla.

“I believe there is need to improve corporate governance, engage corporates on sponsorship and to work towards reduction of affiliation fees to ease the burden on clubs. I also think we have to work as a team and make sure that player welfare is improved and even implement standardisation of their contracts.”

Luphahla said he learnt a lot from administrators such as PSL vice-chairman Lifa Ncube, SuperSport trained administrator and former Zifa board member Tawengwa Hara, Bantu Rovers founder Methembe Ndlovu and acting Bulawayo City chief executive officer Horrace Ndubiwa.

Victoria Falls-based Mubita, a finance manager at A’Zambezi River Lodge said: “I chose to stand because I’m part of the football system. I have the required administrative experience and when elected, I will advocate for attaining affordability of match fees and travelling costs for Southern Region clubs.

“Getting strategic corporate partners to back the league is also key. We also have to sustain both provincial and zonal leagues as well as resuscitate junior league structures.”

Mubita is a founding member of Mosi Rovers, who were formed in 1993. Between 2006 and 2010, he served as the Zifa Matabeleland North Province’s board member for finance.

Siziba said being a member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police had 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 it’s time they make way for other administrators,” said Siziba.

Former Highlanders’ secretary Andrew Tapela is challenging Musa Mandaza for the Zifa Southern Region chairmanship. – @ZililoR