HARARE – Simba Bhora’s benefactor and football enthusiast Brighton ‘Panjap’ Ushendibaba is a firm believer in rural football development.
It comes after his recently shared vision, advocating for rural football development as part of his campaign for a Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) executive position.
Ushendibaba emphasises the need to transform football in marginalised areas.
He draws inspiration from his upbringing in rural Gutu.
Now a successful businessman and leading car dealer in Harare, Panjap said he is determined to extend grassroots development to rural communities once voted into office this coming Saturday.
“Rural football development is an area that must be seriously prioritised if we are to nurture talent. I grew up in the rural areas and saw firsthand the potential there.
“The challenge is that these children lack exposure and opportunities. They need to be scouted,” Ushendibaba said.
His commitment to rural football is evident through initiatives like donating a bus to Chitsa Primary School to help football teams travel for matches.
“Last year, I donated a bus at Chitsa Primary school so that the football teams can travel to games,” he added.
Undoubtedly, on saying in rural areas there is talent that only needs to be tapped into, Ushendibaba is on point, and it is evident by examples of rural talent that has made an impact on Zimbabwean football so far.
Ex-Zimbabwe national team goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro who was discovered in Gokwe, and Tymon Machope who transitioned from being a farm worker to becoming one of the country’s top strikers in recent years are some of the examples.
If elected, Ushendibaba has pledged to prioritise tapping into rural talent, ensuring there are equal opportunities for both boys and girls in these marginalised areas.
“We need to give rural kids the same opportunities as those in urban areas. Rural talent has been overlooked in recent years, and that’s an issue we need to address urgently,” Panjap emphasised.
Ushendibaba is pushing to bridge the gap between urban and rural football.
He wants to bring inclusivity and broaden the talent pool for Zimbabwean football.
Panjap is among over 30 candidates who are vying for the six board member positions.
The ZIFA elections are set for January 25 at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.
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