It has been just a little over a month since Phillip Chiyangwa has been at the help of ZIFA, the football governing body in Zimbabwe.
A lot has happened over the short period, but after many anticipated a disaster would ensure, he has managed to keep his critics at bay.Here are 11 items that have stood out thus far making us all look forward to what will happen next:
1. Goes On Leave
Just 3 days into the job and after having attended his first board meeting, Chiyangwa would emerge toannounce that he was going on 3 weeks leave. Not too be a pure holiday, his time would also see him sourcing funds to pay debts that the Association was owing, including to former Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet.
2. Calling For Various Elections
The first port of call for the new ZIFA Executive was to call for elections at various bodies under ZIFA including the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League where Twine Phiri is heading. Other institutions that needed substantive leaders included Women’s football, Eastern and Central Region and Masvingo province.
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| 11 Things Phillip Chiyangwa Has Done Since Becoming Zifa President |
3. PSL Elections
Elections at the Soccer League were the most contentious as ZIFA were adamant that a new leader is needed. There was a back and forth with Twine Phiri first being said to no longer represent case, then his seat on the board was dissolved as of 3 October 2015 together with the rest of the ZIFA executive.
4. Forensic Audit
At the beginning of his tenure Chiyangwa put into motion an effort to audit the financial books of ZIFA to establish who is owed what, promises that he had made in his manifesto.
At the beginning of his tenure Chiyangwa put into motion an effort to audit the financial books of ZIFA to establish who is owed what, promises that he had made in his manifesto.
5. Seeking Advice
During his leave Chiyangwa travelled to South Africa and during his time there was invited to attend SAFA’s annual meeting at the invitation of Danny Jordaan. This was seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two associations that will see the growth and development of the beautiful game.
During his leave Chiyangwa travelled to South Africa and during his time there was invited to attend SAFA’s annual meeting at the invitation of Danny Jordaan. This was seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two associations that will see the growth and development of the beautiful game.
6. Firing Coach Callisto Pasuwa
On the evening of 17 December, the same day Jose Mourinho was sacked, Zimbabwe was to learn that Callisto Pasuwa and his team had been relieved of their duties and a new managerial team had been appointed. Another yo-yo event, seeing the Minister of Sports and Recreation getting involved
On the evening of 17 December, the same day Jose Mourinho was sacked, Zimbabwe was to learn that Callisto Pasuwa and his team had been relieved of their duties and a new managerial team had been appointed. Another yo-yo event, seeing the Minister of Sports and Recreation getting involved
7. Sponsorship
During his first month in office Chiyangwa was able to source sponsorship of a whooping $1 million from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, something the previous administration failed to do the 6+ years it was in office.
During his first month in office Chiyangwa was able to source sponsorship of a whooping $1 million from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, something the previous administration failed to do the 6+ years it was in office.
8. Rescuing 2020 World Cup
After Zimbabwe had already been disqualified from competing in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiersdue to failure to pay former Brazilian coach Valinhos, chances of missing the 2022 edition were looking high as the cash strapped organisation searched for funding. Captain Chiyangwa came to the rescue by getting the above mentioned sponsorship just in time, as FIFA had set a January 2016 deadline for payment to another former coach, Tom Saintfiet, in order to avoid being booted out the 2022 qualifiers.
After Zimbabwe had already been disqualified from competing in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiersdue to failure to pay former Brazilian coach Valinhos, chances of missing the 2022 edition were looking high as the cash strapped organisation searched for funding. Captain Chiyangwa came to the rescue by getting the above mentioned sponsorship just in time, as FIFA had set a January 2016 deadline for payment to another former coach, Tom Saintfiet, in order to avoid being booted out the 2022 qualifiers.
9. Paying Outstanding Dues
Both Pasuwa and the players were owed amounts stretching over a year and various efforts to get paid, including resigning by the coach, proved fruitless. Just before the close of the year, ZIFA and Chiyangwa made good their obligations to the players and technical stuff, clearing all arrears that were owing thus boosting the morale of the team.
Both Pasuwa and the players were owed amounts stretching over a year and various efforts to get paid, including resigning by the coach, proved fruitless. Just before the close of the year, ZIFA and Chiyangwa made good their obligations to the players and technical stuff, clearing all arrears that were owing thus boosting the morale of the team.
10. Interacting With Players
Former Zifa President Cuthbert Dube had some kind of allege towards the Warriors players and football ground, what else could explain his absence over five years? Chiyangwa has managed to visit the players and speak encouragement to them, even in rainy weather.
Former Zifa President Cuthbert Dube had some kind of allege towards the Warriors players and football ground, what else could explain his absence over five years? Chiyangwa has managed to visit the players and speak encouragement to them, even in rainy weather.
11. Asiagate
The long winding chapter of Asiagate was brought to a close, even though FIFA refused to recognise and endorse it. ZIFA had imposed bans on players, coaches and other individuals but sanity prevailed at no. 53 Livingstone Avenue in Harare when all bans and restrictions were removed.
The long winding chapter of Asiagate was brought to a close, even though FIFA refused to recognise and endorse it. ZIFA had imposed bans on players, coaches and other individuals but sanity prevailed at no. 53 Livingstone Avenue in Harare when all bans and restrictions were removed.
Conclusion
Though still within the early days, Phillip Chiyangwa has managed to receive praise from Government,creditors and the media and the ball is now in his court to prove his mantle. Many will be watching closely not only his actions but those of the football team, as Zimbabweans are a football crazy nation. Hopefullytalks with Pasuwa will reach finality and all parties will come out smiling.
Main Image Credit: PhilipChiyangwa.com
Though still within the early days, Phillip Chiyangwa has managed to receive praise from Government,creditors and the media and the ball is now in his court to prove his mantle. Many will be watching closely not only his actions but those of the football team, as Zimbabweans are a football crazy nation. Hopefullytalks with Pasuwa will reach finality and all parties will come out smiling.
Main Image Credit: PhilipChiyangwa.com
