Faith Ndou and Martin Muleya
MASVINGO-Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Eastern Region Soccer League has elected Wisdom Simba as new chairman of the executive committee.
Simba beat his rival Special Matarirano 14-1 to become the substantive chairman having acted in the same capacity since the beginning of the year.
Vice chairman Gray Hama was elected uncontested while the new board members now include Samuel Banda, Mollen Makumbe, Stephan Masina and City of Masvingo Housing Director, Simbarashe Mandishona.
The ERSL consists of Mashonaland East, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces who also elected their leadership on the day.
Matarirano, conceded defeat, acknowledging Simba’s strong campaign and vision for the region’s football development.
In an interview with The Midweek Watch on the sidelines of the elections, an elated Simba thanked the electorate for having confidence in him. He assured that he was going to work hard to continue developing football in the region.
“On behalf of the Eastern Region Soccer League executive committee, I would like to start by congratulating my board as well as thanking the electorate for having confidence in me. I will continue to work for the development of the game. I would like to continue with the plans I had already had, that of sprucing up stadiums like Garwe in Chivhu, and Tongogara at the refugee camp in Chipinge, I can assure that this coming season they will be playing their home matches at Tongogara as we have already started renovations at the facility,” said Simba.
Newly elected Eastern Region Soccer League board member Stephan Masina weighed in saying he was happy to be part of the board.
“I am happy to be part of the Regional board. It surely shows that people at large and in football fraternity have confidence and respect in my leadership qualities,” he said.
Simba’s victory is seen as a reward for his dedication and commitment in promoting football in the region. While he was still acting chairman, he successfully attracted corporate sponsorship like Pacific Storm, improved infrastructure and enhanced the region’s reputation in national football competitions.
