The Sunday Mail
THERE is a school of thought which says winning in sport starts in the office, an argument that suggests that a team is as good as its administration.
In Zimbabwe, Dynamos Football Club is always used as an example of how poor administration can choke a sports outfit.
But DeMbare are doing something about that reputation.
The club is set to send officials to this month’s International Continued Education Sports Management Course.
The course, being held by the Sports Leaders Institute of Zimbabwe (SLIZ) in collaboration with America’s West Virginia University, runs from 24 to 25 September at Old Hararians Sports Club.
“We have about 80 confirmed participants from various institutions, including local football clubs like Dynamos, administrators from volleyball, netball, Government, council and private schools, while uniformed forces are also expected to be part of this,” said SLIZ president Russel Maradza.
The respected administrator added that the latest course is a sign of how SLIZ is strengthening its relationship with West Virginia University with whom they recently signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding.
“It’s another jewel in our crown,” said Maradza.
“Conducting the course will be Dr Floyd Johns as well as Professor Sean Bulgar and Denise Johns, a Sports Management Masters holder.
“We first engaged West Virginia in Nigeria in 2016 and later in Kenya that same year and it all culminated in them holding their first seminar last year. We also had our sports leaders going to West Virginia in February this year.
“Our relationship is growing from strength to strength and such, a development can only be good for Zimbabwean sport.”
Maradza commended Government for taking sports development seriously.
“Our programs run under the national sports development network and we work hand in glove with the Sports and Recreation Commission, they are very supportive. The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee also come with their expertise.
“We believe in team work and are calling for more networking because sport has become a business and it can fund itself, we are confident of a great future for Zimbabwean sport,” Maradza said.
