Marshall Gore Unveils 10-Point Plan for a New ZIFA Ahead of Elections

As the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) executive elections approach on January 25, 2025, presidential hopeful Marshall Gore has outlined a comprehensive 10-point plan to transform the country’s football landscape. His main priority is the investment in grassroots development, aiming to nurture young talent from the ground up and create a sustainable future for Zimbabwean football.

One of the key aspects of Gore’s vision is the improvement of infrastructure, which includes upgrading football facilities across the nation. Additionally, he seeks to enhance talent exposure, giving players a platform to showcase their skills and increase opportunities for local and international recognition.

In his plan, Gore also addresses the professionalisation of Zimbabwe’s top-tier football league, the Premier Soccer League (PSL). He aims to elevate the PSL by improving its competitiveness, which will, in turn, attract more sponsorship and create a better environment for players to develop.

Gore is keen on building capacity within the football community. He plans to invest in coaching development and continuous training for ZIFA staff, ensuring that they have the skills to administer the sport effectively. The administrator also proposes to foster a stronger connection with football fans, emphasizing fan engagement as a critical part of his strategy.

Women’s football is another major focus for Gore. He is committed to growing the women’s game, providing more resources and support to female players and ensuring that they have equal opportunities to thrive. Alongside this, Gore promises to attract corporate sponsorships, which are crucial for the financial stability of the football association and the broader sport in Zimbabwe.

Finally, Gore plans to improve Zimbabwe’s standing on the international stage, fostering a spirit of competitiveness that aligns with global standards. This includes implementing better governance structures within ZIFA to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels.

Gore, one of six candidates vying for the top post at ZIFA, faces competition from Nqobile Magwizi, Phillemon Machana, Makwinji Soma Phiri, Martin Kweza, and Twine Phiri. With his 10-point plan, he aims to bring about lasting change and build a solid foundation for the future of Zimbabwean football.

As the election day draws closer, it remains to be seen whether Gore’s vision will resonate with voters and lead him to victory.