The Sunday News
Sports Reporter
ZIFA vice president Omega Sibanda will this week lead a Zimbabwean delegation to the Fifa 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Sibanda, Zifa board member finance Philemon Machana and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Mamutse will also attend the Fifa Congress set for Moscow on 13 June, which brings together all associations across the world. The Fifa Congress is the supreme legislative body of the world governing body.
“The Congress is an important platform where football is discussed at world level and key decisions are made. It is important that we have a delegation going there as a member association. It will also give our delegation an opportunity to meet and mingle with other football leaders, share notes and discuss developmental issues as well,” said Zifa Communications Manager Xolisani Gwesela.
He added that the Congress will also discuss the bid to host the 2026 World Cup finals by Morocco, United States and Canada.
Another Zimbabwean delegation, which includes two children, will attend the Football for Friendship programme in Russia which runs alongside the World Cup. The delegation consists of Zifa Technical director Wilson Mutekede, Communications Manager Gwesela, 16 year-old Alan Kapiri from Harare and 12 year-old Awakhiwe Ncube from Bulawayo, who will be attached to the coaching side and media side respectively. Also part of the delegation is one seasoned journalist.
The Football for Friendship is an international children’s social programme. It includes a number of sports and educational events held in different countries around the globe. World football legend Franz Beckenbauer is the global Ambassador of the programme. Its mission is developing children’s football, promoting youth sports and a healthy lifestyle, fostering tolerance and respect towards other cultures and ethnicities and promoting friendship among children from different countries.
“This programme ensures that football creates friendship, peace, togetherness and stability. It also opens avenues for football communication and development and that is why it includes a communications person from a member association and a development person. It is hoped that upon return, those going including the children will share their experiences with their peers. We are grateful to the board for making sure that Zimbabweans are part of this beautiful programme,” added Gwesela.
