US based FC Wangu Mazodze owner throws hat in the ring for ZIFA top post

The owner of FC Wangu Mazodze teams competing in the Central and Eastern division one leagues, Richard Mazodze is lining up himself to vie for the ZIFA Presidential post in the next election.

The United States based businessman has expressed his desire to contest for the ZIFA top post.

“This (contesting for the ZIFA top post) is something I’m seriously considering whenever elections are held,” he said.

“I’m availing myself as an alternative. I strongly feel that there is a certain leadership approach that has not been explored in our local football.”

In one of his ‘campaign’ videos, he said: “In my quest to serve my country as the ZIFA president, it is my humble opinion that it shall be an opportunity for me to display my patriotism, my commitment and equally so, have an opportunity to give back to my country of birth.

“We are trying to bring a new approach to the running of the institute of football. ZIFA is one of the richest and most modern institute in Zimbabwe. I believe that we can’t continue doing the same thing and expecting different results, a change must be done.”

Mazodze, said he is “a legal scholar and one of the greatest financial models in New York, with a great pedigree and a proven track record”.

Furthermore, he revealed his approach “is trying to bring the business element to football in Zimbabwe”.

His emphasis is that “Football in Zimbabwe must be run as a business”.

He believes concentration on attracting corporate governance could improve the standards of football in the country as well as improving the livelihoods of current and former footballers.

Apart from Mazodze, other potential candidates for the ZIFA top post include Prophet Walter Magaya, Twine Phiri, Brighton Ushendibaba, Marshall Gore, Alois Bunjira and Charles Mabika.