BY CLOUD FUSIRE
DUMISANI Sisale, who is one of four candidates bidding for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson’s post, has unveiled his vision for the local top flight which is premised on adapting current best international practice on and off the pitch.
The FC Platinum chairperson will be up against Manica Diamonds’ Masimba Chihowa, Simba Bhora’s Isaiah Mupfurutsa and Ngezi Paltinum Stars’ Leonard Musariri in the July 25 election which will be held concurrently with the one for the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL).
Apart from the chairpersons, the vice chairpersons and board members for both the PSL and ZWPSL will be voted into office on the day. Andi Sisale, who also stated his bold target of making the PSL a flourishing commercial entity, has now unveiled a manifesto which carries the slogan, “Reignite the Game — Reform. Empower. Excel.”
“My vision is rooted in a deep passion for football, a commitment to good governance, and the need to modernise our league to meet international standards. I seek to lead a transformation that benefits clubs, players, fans, sponsors, and the nation at large,” said Sisale.
“I intend to transform the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League into a commercially viable, professionally run, and globally respected football league by enhancing competitiveness, promoting youth development, ensuring financial transparency, and embracing innovation.”
Sisale’s manifesto is premised on commercialisation and revenue growth, securing and expanding TV broadcast rights, including digital streaming, attracting corporate sponsorships and partners through league rebranding, introducing centralised marketing and merchandising for league-wide products as well as facilitating gate revenue sharing models to support smaller clubs. He is also keen to ensure clubs take youth development seriously.
“The league is committed to building a sustainable football future by investing in young talent. This policy mandates structured youth integration at club level, ensuring consistent game time for young players and providing centralized support for national youth development initiatives.
“To this end, I intend to implement mandatory U19 registration as well as a mandatory minutes rule for U19 players,” said Sisale, who also wants to see the PSL play a role in uplifting the women’s game.
“It is my desire to oversee the creation of a comprehensive roadmap that clearly outlines the integration of women’s football development within the PSL framework. This roadmap should include key milestones, objectives, and timelines to gradually build a strong, sustainable women’s football ecosystem aligned with the league’s overall goals.
“In that regard, I will also actively encourage and assist PSL clubs to establish their own women’s football teams or to form partnerships with existing women’s clubs by providing guidance, resources, and incentives to facilitate these collaborations and ensure alignment with league standards,” he added.
If Sisale is to succeed, he will take over the vacant post which was left by CAPS United president Farai Jere who stepped down last year.