United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean football agent Ellen Chiwenga said that she is ready to challenge for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidency in 2022.
Chiwenga, who is currently the only female FIFA match agent in the world and one of the advisors for the governing body’s Ethics and Regulations Watch, told Soccer24 that the support she has received from football stakeholders to challenge for the ZIFA post is a source of motivation. She said:
It came as a great source of motivation, and I would like to thank all the people who posted wonderful messages of support.
The ZIFA presidency remains an empty shell until you implement new initiatives that drive positive change for people.
And truth is, you can only carry out those actions with the support and help of local communities.
Chiwenga said football has the power to change lives for both boys and girls and she would ensure that Zimbabwe begins to tap into the social and economic potential in the sport. She added:
I love football because it has the incredible power to change lives and inspire a better future in young boys and girls. I can see every day in Europe how football creates jobs and new opportunities for thousands of people.
I would like Zimbabwe to start tapping in the many social and economic opportunities that the beautiful game offers to all, not just the very few. Driving positive change for Zimbabwe and our people through football, this is what really motivates me to go on.
Only two women in the history of the sport in Africa have been elected to lead a national association; Lydia Nsekera and Isha Johansen of Burundi and Sierra Leone Football Associations respectively but Chiwenga insists results mater, not the occupational stereotypes involved.