Phillip Chiyangwa
ZIMBABWE Football Association President Phillip Chiyangwa will today grace the historic South African Football Association annual general meeting following an invitation by his Safa counterpart Danny Jordaan. The prestigious event will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg where the Zifa president will be introduced to the entire Safa Congress and the national executive committee.
Safa director of communications Dominic Chimhavi emphasised the importance of cooperation between Zifa and Safa. “It’s critical for Zifa and Safa to work closely with each other and we feel honoured as Safa for the new Zifa president, Chiyangwa to grace our annual occasion,” Chimhavi told the Zifa website www.zifa.org.zw.
“It’s essential that Zifa and Safa work jointly on a number of programmes to grow the game within the two countries, in the region and on the continent,” said Chimhavi. Chiyangwa, who is already in South Africa, also expressed his gratitude for Safa’s invitation.
“I feel extremely humbled by this invitation to attend such an important gathering”, said Chiyangwa. “Zimbabwe and South Africa are historically brothers. It’s important for the two football associations to establish areas of cooperation for the growth and development of the beautiful game.
“A strategic partnership between Zifa and Safa will inevitably play a crucial role in the development of football in the Cosafa region and beyond,” said Chiyangwa.
Jordaan had earlier this week sent a congratulatory message to Chiyangwa following his resounding victory in last week’s Zifa executive committee elections.
“The South African Football Association wishes to express our sincere congratulations on your election to the position of president of the Zimbabwean Football Association,” wrote Jordaan.
“I, herewith, on behalf of the South African Football Association, assure you of our cooperation and support during your term of office. “We look forward to continue warm and friendly relations with your association and hope to meet soonest.
“We convey congratulations to the new leadership and may your term of office offer progress to football in your country, our region and our continent,” concluded Jordaan.
The two Cosafa nations enjoy cordial relations and are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) next year.-Sports Reporter/Zifa website.