PROPHETIC Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader and Yadah FC proprietor Walter Magaya is pondering a potential bid for the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) presidency.
This follows requests from former and current women’s football administrators for him to lead the country’s football out of its current challenges.
On Sunday, prior to the inaugural Heart Women Soccer League Tournament final, former Zifa Women Soccer League board member Cecilia Gambe made an impassioned plea asking Magaya to take over the reins.
In response, Magaya stated that he would consult his family and church before making any decisions.
“A group of football administrators requested that I run for Zifa presidency. I’ll discuss this with my family and church before deciding,” Magaya told reporters.
“I’ll analyse the situation, considering what changes can be made and how I can contribute. I’ll make a decision within two weeks.”
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The Heart Women Soccer League Tournament, sponsored by Magaya’s Heart Group and supported by Vincent Chaonza’s Open Gold Enterprise, concluded with Chapungu Queens winning the title.
Magaya revealed plans to extend sponsorship to men’s leagues and increase next season’s Heart Women Soccer League package to over US$1 million.
“This tournament’s success is a testament to The Heart Group’s commitment to Zimbabwean football. We’re eager to replicate this in the men’s leagues, supporting various divisions and rekindling the football vibe in our country,” Magaya added.
The 16-team knockout tournament was won by air force side Chapungu Queens, who beat police outfit Black Mambas Queens in a battle that played out at The Heart Stadium in Waterfalls, Harare.
Chapungu received a golden floating trophy, US$10 000 and gold medals.
Mambas took home US$5 000 and silver medals for finishing second, while Herentals got US$3 000 for their third-place finish.
Star of the tournament, Ethel Chinyerere of Chapungu went home US$2 500 richer after clinching both top goal scorer (US$1 000) and player-of-the-tournament award that carried a US$1 500 cash reward.
Harare City took home US$2 500 for coming out fourth, while the four teams knocked out in the quarterfinals got US$2 000 each and those eliminated in the Round of 16 received US$1 500 each.
“This is an achievement for The Heart Group and women’s football in Zimbabwe. I can’t really put a value on the tournament’s costs, but you can calculate your own food for 800 people, breakfast, lunch and dinner staying at a hotel. You will see that the value has way surpassed the US$320 000 that we had promised for this league,” Magaya added.
“We really enjoyed it. We are not complaining, we are excited because the results are amazing. Look at the joy that the kids have, this is the first time to see them celebrating like this.
“Look at the number three Herentals, celebrating meaning that they have cherished this sponsorship, so we are quite excited.”