The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Stars’ new chief executive officer Yvonne Manwa is banking on her past experience in managerial positions to put her in good stead as she takes on a new challenge in sports administration.
Manwa was appointed to the helm of the Mhondoro-based outfit last month.
She became one of the two female chief executive officers of a Premier League club.
The Ngezi Platinum Stars job is her first in football administration, but she remains unfazed.
“I am a new name in terms of football administration, but I have been interacting with the football fraternity, even at national levels, for the past nine years,” said Manwa.
“I have never been in sports administration. However, I believe administration skills are transferable across industries, and am sure I will be able to catch up very quickly.
“In fact, I think being almost an ‘outsider’ gives me the advantage to bring in a different perspective in the way we do business,” she said.
Manwa has also set her sights on changing how women are perceived in the sport when it comes to administration.
“I am hoping that the job I will do with Ngezi Platinum Stars will also inspire the men in football to follow the footsteps of our club and use merit rather than gender to select candidates for positions in football administration.
“I believe women can hold such positions and do an excellent job at it. Look at Susan Whelan at Leicester City, for example, there is room for more women at all levels in football.
“I am hoping my instatement as the CEO of one of the best football clubs in the country will inspire other women to eventually follow suit.”
