AIMING for a transparent, inclusive, and accountable future for Zimbabwean football, Marshall Gore has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa).
His comprehensive 10-year development plan seeks to modernise infrastructure, grow the game socially and economically and position Zimbabwe as a contender for the 2030 World Cup.
He told Standard Sport his vision included professionalising the PSL, growing women’s football, creating a grassroots development fund, reviving competitive leagues, investing in infrastructure, improving coaching and refereeing education, as well as forming strategic partnerships with the English FA.
The Zifa executive committee elections are expected to take place in December 2024 or January 2025 following the establishment of a roadmap by the extended Zifa normalisation committee.
The committee, led by Lincoln Mutasa, has been given an additional six months to prepare for the elections after a recent Fifa decision.
Born in Glen Nora B, Harare, in 1975, Gore has built a multi-faceted career as a community builder, social entrepreneur and senior health consultant in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
His educational journey began at Ruvheneko Primary School, progressing through Nettleton Primary School, Cranborne Boys High, and COSSA college. He furthered his studies in the UK, earning a BSc Hons in Social Science, multiple diplomas in management, nursing, and Bible studies, and completing several FA courses in sports administration.
Gore's professional career spans over 30 years in football, healthcare, and business. He served as managing director for Tegmul Petroleum Group International for four years and is currently a senior health consultant in the NHS.
He co-founded Horizon Care Solutions, a healthcare commissioning company, and recently became the representative of Grip Active Sport in Africa.
In 1998, Gore moved to the UK, where he has lived for over 20 years. Despite this, his connection to Zimbabwe remains strong, spending the last five years commuting between Harare and London to establish the Power 11 Football Academy and to support grassroots football projects like the Rusike Area Zone League in Goromonzi.
Gore’s involvement in football began early, captaining his primary school team and playing for Cranborne Boys High and One Commando Bullets FC in Division 2.
He co-founded the Goromonzi Area Zone League and chaired the district independence trophy fundraising committee.
His voluntary efforts in Goromonzi have significantly supported football infrastructure development in schools.
In the UK, Gore played semi-professionally for Hendon FC and in the UK Turkish league. He founded Zimbabwe Saints Football Club, leading them to 16 trophies in 13 years, and served as CEO of Team Zimbabwe UK from 2012 to 2024.
His tenure saw the delivery of a diaspora scouting programme, the establishment of 40 community clubs, and successful fundraising for Zimbabwean grassroots football teams.
Gore chaired the UK African Cup of Nations Tournament, increasing team participation and securing major sponsorships. As an advisor to the English FA, he worked on diversity matters and organised the African Football Awards and legends games.
In Zimbabwe, Gore facilitated the representation of 21 UK-born diaspora players in the national team, supported 40 football community clubs, and organized a successful homecoming tour in 2019.
His grassroots development efforts over the past 20 years include annual community football tournaments and distributing football kits to over 150 clubs.
Gore’s extensive global network includes connections with Fifa, Caf, and the English FA. He has participated in planning significant football events and projects, such as the new Tottenham stadium and the Veterans World Club Championships in Rwanda.
His commercial consultancy for Caps United and co-ownership of the Power 11 Academy in Ruwa have helped over eight players secure scholarships abroad.
Beyond football, Gore is involved in healthcare through Horizon Care Solutions, sportswear with Grip Active Sports, and various business ventures in Zimbabwe, including cattle farming, property development, and school construction in Zimre Park, Ruwa.
"I'm confident my candidacy brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future of Zimbabwean football. I pledge significant strides towards its development and global competitiveness," he said.
Rumoured contenders for the Zifa presidency are Walter Magaya, former Caps United owner Twine Phiri, commentator Charles Mabika, and businessman Brighton "Panjap" Ushendibaba.
However, they remain unconfirmed as none have officially declared their candidacy.