Phiri Pledges 50/50 Football Equality, Plans School of Excellence
Written by Skyz Metro FM on January 16, 2025
16 January 2025
By Makhosethu Ndlovu
Aspiring Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president and former CAPS United president Twine Phiri, has pledged to establish a School of Excellence to nurture young talent and ensure equal opportunities for men’s and women’s football when elected in the upcoming elections.
Speaking to Skyz Metro FM, Phiri outlined his plan to open the school, which will cater for children as young as 8 years old, with an aim to teach football from the grassroots level which is part of his manifesto.
“I intend to establish a school of excellence,” declared Twine Phiri, “where I will cater to children from the age of 8 to 17. This initiative involves creating centers for junior programs, utilizing talented young athletes from NAPH, NASH, and tertiary areas to feed into this school of excellence. Both male and female athletes will have the opportunity to participate.”
Phiri also vowed to ensure a 50/50 split in football opportunities, with women’s football receiving equal rights, sponsors, and resources. He highlighted the need for accountability within ZIFA and the construction of FIFA-standard infrastructure, including stadiums and a head office, to promote fairness and transparency.
He further pledged to prioritize women’s football, promising, “On women’s football, whatever we do on men should also be done on women. The day I walk into the office it will be 50/50 balance. I respect women’s football so much. What I’ll also do for them I will look for a sponsor for sanitary wear, these are special kids, I’ll get them a sponsor which I’m currently working on it.”
“I strongly believe in ZIFA’s financial independence,” declared Phiri. “My goal is to commercialize the association, making it self-sustaining. This will involve the establishment of a ZIFA Cup, a crucial step in achieving this objective.”
ZIFA elections are set for January 25, 2025, after two years under the Normalisation Committee led by Lincoln Mutasa.