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 Philip Chiyangwa

Sports Reporter
ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa has congratulated President Emmerson Mnangagwa following his swearing-in ceremony at the National Sports Stadium yesterday. Chiyangwa said ZIFA were ready to play their role in the development of the country.

‘‘We, as the football family, are elated that the transition was smooth, peaceful and it allowed for the continuation of the beautiful game across Zimbabwe without any hindrance. For that we are grateful. We pledge to work with you on your mantra ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ to transform not only football but sport in general into an industry that employs millions across the country and that receives support from the corporate sector and indeed, your new Government,’’ he said in a statement.

‘‘We wish you all the best in your new endeavour to transform the nation and we pray for the continuation of peace throughout. As an avid supporter of sport in general and football in particular, we look forward to continuous engagement with the relevant ministry and your office on how best football can form part of the new economic reforms by way of investment into it and employment.’’

ZIFA invited President Mnangagwa, who was the Acting President in January, to be the guest of honour at a send-off function for the Warriors who were going to Gabon for the AFCON finals. Chiyangwa will be a guest of SAFA today in Pretoria when Supersport United host TP Mazembe in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup final.

‘‘I am honoured to be part of this grand finale, not only on my own behalf, but also on behalf of COSAFA and Zimbabwe as a whole. The recognition is to the nation and its achievement in contributing to the development of the game of football in Zimbabwe, the region and the continent,’’ Chiyangwa said.

He also revealed he will use the occasion to conclude arrangements for a match between the South African and Zimbabwean Legends next month to celebrate President Mnangagwa’s rise to be the leader of the country. Meanwhile, ZIFA vice president Omega Sibanda has been appointed to the committee established by CAF to spearhead the development of Futsal and Beach Football.

The 18-member committee is headed by Uganda Football Association president and CAF Executive Committee member Moses Magogo while Leodegar Tenga of Tanzania is the vice president.

‘‘The appointment of Sibanda is a further cap for the leadership of ZIFA whose top brass is continuously being recognised by CAF and COSAFA for their sterling work in various fields of football development,’’ the association said in a statement. ZIFA president Dr Philip Chiyangwa heads COSAFA and is also vice president of the powerful Africa Cup of Nations Organising Committee.’’

Sibanda chaired the COSAFA Women Championships Organising Committee that were staged in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe two months ago.