RENOWNED sport administrator and former Tennis Zimbabwe general manager Kupakwashe Mukurumbira has been appointed as an independent member of the panel to the newly-established Fifa Foundation’s Safe Football Support Unit (SFSU).
The SFSU is an impartial, dedicated unit that will offer specialist guidance and support services to victims of violence, including physical, sexual and psychological harassment and abuse in football.
Mukurumbira is part of the independent panel which will lead the unit and will be supported by special advisors and a survivors advisory group.
The launch of the SFSU follows an extensive global consultation process that involved more than 230 stakeholders.
A first of its kind within the international football community, the SFSU aims to respond to incidents of violence by providing impartial specialist guidance and support to victims and whistleblowers at local level using first do-no-harm practices, and by offering trauma-informed case management services to the disciplinary bodies of the football ecosystem.
Mukurumbira was delighted with the appointment.
“It is with great respect that I convey my dedication to serving as an independent panel member for Fifa, focusing on the critical issue of safe football,” he said.
“This position offers a remarkable chance to engage with the global football community in a concerted effort to eradicate all forms of abuse within the sport.
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“By collaborating with stakeholders from every corner of the globe, we can work towards creating a safer environment for all participants in football.”
Added Mukurumbira: “My involvement with the Fifa Guardians Safeguarding Programme in 2019 was a significant milestone in my career, as I had the honour of being part of the review panel that contributed to the programme’s development and its introduction to Fifa’s member associations.
“Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of partnering with various sports organisations at multiple levels — national, regional, continental, and international — on diverse safeguarding initiatives. Notable collaborations include projects with the Council of Europe, Unicef UK Initiative on Safeguarding Children in Sport, and Safe Sport International, all aimed at enhancing the well-being of athletes.”
He said in addition to his collaborative efforts, “I have established myself as a prominent global non-academic writer in the field of safeguarding, having published over 29 articles on esteemed sports platforms such as SportDev.Org and the Sport Integrity Global Alliance”.
Added Mukurumbira: “My published works underscore my commitment to promoting best practices in safe sport and raising awareness about safeguarding challenges.
“I am looking forward to working alongside fellow panel members and stakeholders to address the existing gaps in safeguarding within football.
“Together, we can cultivate an environment that not only preserves the integrity of the sport but also ensures a safe and supportive atmosphere for everyone involved. I am eager to contribute meaningfully to this essential aspect of football.”
Mukurumbira’s appointment was effective November 1, 2024 and will last for a period of two years.
In his letter of appointment, Fifa Foundation executive chairman Mauricio Macri said Mukurumbira’s experience and expertise was the main factor in the decision to include him in the Independent Panel.
“Your broad experience and expertise in promoting safeguarding in sport at international level has made you an excellent candidate for this role, and we are confident in your ability to contribute significantly to the important work of this body,” Macri’s letter read.
“We sincerely appreciate your willingness to take on this responsibility and are excited to see the valuable contributions you will make throughout your tenure. If there is anything we can do to support you in your new role, please do not hesitate to reach out.”
Mukurumbira resigned from Tennis Zimbabwe in October this year after two years serving as the general manager.
