Game-On Reporter
SHE has charmed the electorate and the football fraternity at large with her elaborate and eloquent presentations.
Some are already thrusting her among the favourites for a place in the next ZIFA Board.
Dutch Academy director, Kudzai Kadzombe, is one of the six women contesting for the six ordinary board member positions.
ZIFA will hold the much-awaited elections on Saturday.
Seventy-eight councilors will choose the president, his two deputies including one woman, and six ordinary board members.
While she has already emphasized the need for ZIFA to prioritize football development at grassroots level, Kadzombe feels referees should not be left out.
She believes referees are a key component of the game.
“It’s critical that this portfolio is not forgotten but developed concurrently with other facets of the game,” says Kadzombe.
Match officials have become topical in recent seasons with accusations of incompetence being thrown around.
“We can only improve this area that has been nagging the game for a long time.”
Kadzombe believes this can be achieved by: “Ensuring FIFA grants meant for referees are channeled to the right portfolios.
“Ensuring three or more on-field refresher courses are done per year.
“Reduction of the number of referees in the PSL to a manageable proportion based on quality, targeting an improved performance through game time.
“Signing of integrity pledges and adherence to the same in line with the national vision.”
Kadzombe has been to different regions and provinces selling her vision.
She has been in the football trenches for years through Dutch Academy – a football nursery that produced several Premier Soccer League players including 2023 Soccer Star of the Year runner up Donald “Kante” Mudadi and former Under-20 top striker Delic Murimba.
A number of high profile football personalities including CAPS United and Black Rhinos legend Stanford “Stix” Mutizwa have endorsed Kadzombe, who has also expressed her desire to uplift women football.
Over 30 candidates are vying for the six ZIFA board member positions.
Businessman Brighton Ushendibaba, former Gunners president Cuthbert Chitima and ex-Dynamos vice chairman Vincent Chawonza are also in the race.
Former footballers Alois Bunjira, Harlington Shereni, Terrence Malunga and Walter Musanhu are also contesting.
Alice Zeure, Cecilia Gambe, Beullar Msarah, ex-referee Sabelo Maphosa and Sibekikwe Ndlovu are also in the race.
