HARARE – Seasoned sports administrator Thabani Gonye was re-elected as president of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) on Sunday.
Gonye narrowly retained his position after securing 15 votes, edging out his opponent Ringisai Mapondera, who garnered 12 votes in a tightly contested election.
He embarked on a second term having first been elected ZOC president in 2021.
In his manifesto, Gonye, who previously served as ZOC vice president from 2013 to 2021, pledged to continue focusing on athlete welfare and building a winning environment.
“Basically, the game plan remains the same, focusing on the athletes and doing what needs to be done for them to perform at the levels we are targeting by 2028,” said Gonye.
“We need to move into a winning position, and I believe the work we have covered so far places us where we can start expecting success at that level.”
Gonye emphasised the importance of athlete development, recognition, empowerment and well-being.
He added: “We also need to activate sports science at an early age. When we start profiling our young athletes, we can ensure our investment is targeted correctly, nurturing and developing them into world beaters as they progress through their development journey.”
Gonye also spoke about the need to integrate sports science and technology into the country’s athlete development programs.
Meanwhile, Fredreck Ndlovu was re-elected as first vice president, while Merit Munzwembiri was elected second vice president.
Olympian Abel Chimukoko, Charmaine Chamboko, Tawanda Sithole, Lizzie Mupure, Xolisani Gwesela, Abigail Mnikwa, and Edson Chirowodza were elected as board members, with Mxolisi Ndlovu taking up the role of treasurer.
