As the ZIFA Presidential Elections draw closer, with only three days remaining, Marshall Gore has delivered a powerful final address to the esteemed ZIFA electorate, urging them to seize the opportunity to rebuild Zimbabwean football. The seasoned football administrator, known for his decades-long dedication to the sport, outlined an ambitious and data-driven vision aimed at restoring Zimbabwe’s footballing glory.
Gore’s campaign has consistently emphasised innovation, grassroots development, and financial accountability. In his final plea, he underscored the critical role of this election, not merely as a leadership contest, but as a moment to reshape the future of the beautiful game in Zimbabwe. “This election is not merely a choice of leadership it is a decision to reclaim the glory of our football, empower our youth, and leave a legacy of excellence for generations to come,” Gore stated passionately.
In his address, Gore identified five key areas requiring urgent attention, each backed by actionable goals and data. He proposed the establishment of grassroots football academies in every province, aiming to train 500 youth coaches by 2027 and engage over 50,000 young players annually. Addressing infrastructure deficiencies, he outlined plans to upgrade 10 major stadiums, including the National Sports Stadium, by 2026 to ensure compliance with CAF standards, enabling Zimbabwe to host regional tournaments and attract international events.
Highlighting the underrepresentation of women in football, Gore pledged to double the number of registered female players by 2025 and establish competitive leagues in all provinces, supported by corporate sponsorships and targeted investment. On talent development, he proposed partnerships with international academies to secure 50 professional placements abroad for players annually, drawing inspiration from Zimbabwean football icons like Peter Ndlovu and Bruce Grobbelaar.
Acknowledging the financial challenges facing the sport, Gore set a target of securing $10 million in sponsorships by 2027 while implementing strict financial accountability measures to restore trust in ZIFA governance. These proposals align with FIFA Forward’s investment strategies, CAF’s priorities, and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 development goals, reflecting a holistic approach to football administration.
“This is our time to rise as one football family and make history. A vote for me is a vote for innovation, empowerment, and success,” Gore declared, urging the electorate to embrace a leader committed to results and progress. Football analyst Tinashe Nyamandwe praised Gore’s campaign for its transparency and foresight, noting that his data-driven approach addresses the systemic issues plaguing Zimbabwean football. “Marshall Gore’s campaign demonstrates a refreshing commitment to transparency, grassroots investment, and long-term planning—exactly what Zimbabwean football needs,” he remarked.
As the 25th of January approaches, Gore’s candidacy has become a symbol of hope for many, offering a tangible roadmap to revitalise the sport. The elections represent a critical opportunity to reset the trajectory of Zimbabwean football and restore its standing on the global stage. Gore’s final words to the electorate encapsulate his unwavering commitment: “Let us unite to rewrite the story of Zimbabwean football. Vote for action. Vote for results. Vote for a future we can all be proud of.”
