-as scribe Chingaira becomes ZIFA ERSL administrator
Asher Moyo
Sports Reporter
CHIPINGE-As more and more women are getting top posts in sport administration globally and Zimbabwe in particular, ZIFA Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) is not lagging behind as they have appointed journalist, Fungai Munyoro-Chingaira as the region’s administrator.
Chingaira replaces the late ERSL godfather, Tedious Machawire who was the region’s administrator since its formation in 2001 until his time of retirement in 2020.
She is the only female administrator in the country’s four regions; Southern, Central and Northern.
Chingaira will be responsible for the day to day affairs of the region which is comprised of teams from, Masvingo, Manicaland and Mash East provinces.
“I will be also responsible for managing, collecting, reviewing and disseminating the region’s information. Maintaining the Region’s membership database. Scheduling of board and general meetings,” Chingaira told The Midweek Watch.
Chingaira who is not new in the soccer circles started her career as a sports journalist in 2014. She did her internship at New Ziana before joining Manica Post as a sports correspondent in June 2014.
Chingaira also contributed to The Herald Eastern Edition and 263 Chats. She joined Masvingo Mirror Newspaper in 2021 and became the group’s sports editor.
In an interview with this publication, Chingaira said she feels honoured to be part of the ERSL.
“It’s really a privilege and honour to serve the region as an administrator. My key responsibilities as an administrator mainly are to understand the ERSL Rules and Regulations, policies and procedures and to ensure the Region is run according to these core requirements at all times. I know it’s a mammoth task but with the support that I’m getting from the board, I will make it,” she said.
ERSL chairman Davison Muchena said he believes Chingaira will revolutionize the region’s image.
“Finding a suitable candidate was going to be difficult taking into consideration the qualities of Machawire and what we expected from the new candidate. We believe Chingaira comes into action with a different version of modern football administration. We also believe she can quickly revolutionize the region’s image and turn our fortunes for the better,” said Muchena.
Chingaira is a computer enthusiast, holds a ZIFA Level 1 and 2 coaching certificate, Drone Sports Management certificate Zimbabwe Olympic Committee strength and conditioning course and a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Media Studies.
The appointment of Chingaira follows the recent inclusion of former Mighty Warriors player and coach, Rosemary Mugadza and lawyer Nyasha Tashinga Sanyamandwe into the ZIFA nomalisation committee by FIFA after the country’s ban was lifted.
At the helm of women leadership in sport is none other than African swimming sensation and Olympic medals record holder, Minister Kirsty Coventry.
