LEADING candidate for the Women Zifa vice-presidency, Loveness Wadzanai Mukura, on Wednesday addressed the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League Councillors at a hotel in the capital, sharing her vision for Zimbabwean football.
Mukura expressed her passion for football as she shared her personal journey, from being a player to becoming an administrator.
“I’m excited to share my vision with the women’s councillors. A night of sisterhood, empowerment, transformation, and unity as we plot the way forward that will help shape the future of Zimbabwean football, for women and men by women,” she said.
The 36-year-old administrator emphasised her commitment to advancing women’s football.
“This is home for me. Women’s football has been my journey, teaching me not only the game, but also the ins and outs of administration,” she added.
Mukura called on women to unite for a common cause and put their differences aside.
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“Let’s put personalities aside and work together towards a common goal: uplifting women’s football. It’s disheartening to see women being trodden upon, while men applaud. Instead, let’s unite and celebrate each other’s successes,” the aspiring vice-president said.
“You believed in me once, and I’m asking for your trust again. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for women’s football. I’m counting on your support.”
Mukura had earlier addressed the Northern Region councillors on Sunday, where she was asking for their support.
“I want to start by saying how deeply sorry I am for visiting other regions first. As a product of this region, where my football career was nurtured and shaped, I should have started here,” she said.
She said it took discipline and dedication for her to get to where she is.
“I am eager to leverage my expertise to advance Zimbabwean football,” she added.
On Saturday, she was in the Southern Region, where she was warmly received by the councillors.
“As a 36-year-old leader, I believe age is just a number. What truly matters is capability, determination and willingness to listen,” she said.
“I’m committed to be that leader, with a listening ear and a collaborative approach. If elected vice-president, I’m confident that together, we can drive meaningful change and deliver results that benefit everyone.”
Added Mukura: “As a woman in leadership, my focus won’t be limited to women’s football. I’ll be committed to advancing the beautiful game as a whole, ensuring opportunities and growth for everyone involved.
“We must forge strategic partnerships with international partners to gain a global perspective. By sharing success stories and learning from their challenges, we can adopt best practices and innovate our approaches.
“Furthermore, fostering regional competitions will enhance our competitiveness, drive growth, and elevate the sport as a whole.”
As the chief executive officer of a large educational institute, Herentals Group of Colleges, Mukura said accountability will be the least of the councillors worries.
“Rest assured, accountability is a core value I uphold. With my extensive experience as an accountant in a prominent institution, managing finances and ensuring transparency, you can trust that our organisation’s resources will be handled with integrity,” she said.
Mukura emphasised the importance of junior football, grassroots development and transforming Zifa into a reputable brand.
She pledged to promote transparency, accountability and integrity, and to recognise the vital role of congress members.
“Junior football is the lifeblood of our sport’s future. Let’s safeguard and nurture it,” she said.
“To achieve this, we must empower our area zones, provinces, and regions to establish academies.
“These hubs will serve as breeding grounds for our junior and senior national teams.”