FORMER Herentals Queens Football Club chairperson Loveness Wadzanai Mukura says the time is now ripe for her to play an influential role in Zimbabwean football.
The Heart Women Premier Soccer League board member finance is among those eyeing the position of vice president in the upcoming Zifa elections set for January 25.
One of the two vice-presidents should be a female and she is confident of beating off competition from Mavis Gumbo, Joyce Kapota, competing with Mavis Gumbo, Patience Mutumwa, Winnet Muropa, and Nyasha Kadenge.
The elections are slated for January 25, but are in danger of postponement due to appeals by aspiring candidates for the post of president who were struck off the list for different reasons.
With a proven track record of managing sports programmes, fostering talent, and leading teams to success, Mukura is confident that she has now amassed the competence and experience to propel the country’s football to the next level.
Born and raised in Mutasa in Manicaland, Mukura's passion for football began at a young age. She started playing soccer in 2008 while studying at the University of Zimbabwe.
Her love for the sport only grew stronger, and she soon became an integral part of the university's football team. Little did she know that this was just the beginning of an incredible journey that would take her to the forefront of Zimbabwean football.
"I am proud to have started my football journey at the University of Zimbabwe," Mukura reflected.
- Police to revise border operation
- GRDC in corruption allegations
- Zim to host world boxing indabas
- Panicky consumers hoard goods to escape price rage
Keep Reading
"Those early days shaped my passion for the sport and laid the foundation for my future success."
After completing her university studies, Mukura joined Herentals College as a personal assistant to the chief executive officer. Her skills and dedication to her work quickly earned her recognition, and she was soon promoted to sports administrator.
In this role, Mukura developed and implemented programmes that make sports a key element of Herental College’s curriculum.
"As a sports administrator, I have always been driven by a desire to create opportunities for others to succeed," Mukura told The Sports Hub.
"I believe that sport has the power to transform lives and communities, and I am committed to harnessing that power to drive positive change."
Mukura's experience at Herentals College also set the stage for her to be drafted into the national leadership structure of the women’s game in Zimbabwe.
In 2018 she was chosen to represent Herentals Queens Football Club as a councillor in the Zimbabwe Women Super League. Her strategic and administrative acumen proved invaluable, and she played a pivotal role in the rise of Herentals and the women game in Zimbabwe.
"Leading Herentals Queens Football Club has been an incredible honour ," she added.
"I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I am excited to build on that success in my future endeavors."
In 2021, Mukura was appointed club chairperson, a testament to her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the sport.
Mukura's vision for Zimbabwean football is built on five core pillars: inclusive leadership, grassroots development, sustainable growth, good governance, and player empowerment.
She believes that by fostering an open-door policy, ensuring equality and inclusivity for all stakeholders, and promoting grassroots development, Zimbabwean football can reach new heights.
"My vision for Zimbabwean football is one of inclusivity, accessibility, and excellence," Mukura emphasised.
"I believe that every Zimbabwean deserves the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the beautiful game."
As a champion of sustainable growth, Mukura is committed to securing much-needed sponsorship for key aspects of football as well as creating an attractive environment for investment in football infrastructure.
“I recognise the importance of good governance, transparency, and accountability in restoring trust and confidence in the sport's leadership.
“I aim to prioritise player empowerment and to create a supportive ecosystem that nurtures talent, promotes equity, and drives success,” she told The Sports Hub.
Mukura's academic credentials are equally impressive. She holds a Master of Science in Strategic Management from Chinhoyi University of Technology, a Master of Science in International Relations from the University of Zimbabwe, and a BSc Honours Degree in Political Science from the University of Zimbabwe. She is currently studying for a Doctor of Strategic Management at Chinhoyi University of Technology.
As the Zimbabwean football community prepares to elect its next leader, Mukura believes her election will create a platform for her to champion grassroots development , sustainable growth, good governance, and player empowerment.
"I am humbled by the opportunity to serve Zimbabwean football," Mukura concluded.
"I am excited to work together with stakeholders to build a brighter future for the sport we all love."
