In a move that signals a seismic shift for football in the province, veteran administrator and patron of the Mutukwa Football Academy, Colonel Edward Mutukwa, was elected unopposed as the new ZIFA Mashonaland Central Province Chairperson last weekend.
Stepping into the role with a clear mandate for change, Mutukwa didn’t mince his words regarding the current state of the game.
His victory comes at a time when the province is crying out for professionalisation, and the colonel wasted no time in outlining a roadmap designed to restore integrity and attract investment.
For Mutukwa, the primary goal is a complete overhaul of the provincial footballing culture. He emphasised that the era of cutting corners and ignoring the rulebook is over.
"It’s time to renew the way we do business. There are a lot of issues that have been taking place in Mashonaland Central recently which I don’t agree with. We should respect the rules and regulations of football," Mutukwa declared.
He highlighted a specific focus on Division 2, which he views as a developmental bedrock rather than a "win-at-all-costs" environment.
His administration plans to clamp down on the use of "mercenary" players—ineligible athletes hired from Harare solely to secure results—insisting instead on a system that nurtures local talent from a young age until they become superstars.
The new chairperson was emphatic that financial backing will only follow structural reform. To attract sponsors, the league must first demonstrate that it is a straightforward and organised entity.
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Mutukwa’s strategy centres on rigorous club licensing to ensure every team meets administrative standards, alongside modernized player registration systems to eliminate eligibility scandals.
Furthermore, he promised a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and malpractices that have previously hindered the league’s growth.
"Sponsors are on board, but they will only come when the system is organized.
“We need to recalibrate the mind, rethink, and make sure we do the right things," he added.
Mutukwa’s vision is deeply rooted in his existing work with Mutukwa Academy Football Club.
Based in Chiweshe, the academy was established to take high-level football to rural areas, providing a direct pathway for young players to reach the Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) and beyond.
By applying this same academy mindset to the entire province, Mutukwa hopes to transform Mashonaland Central into a premier talent hub.
Under the colonel’s leadership, the message to the province is clear: the basics will be done right, the rules will be followed, and football in Mashonaland Central is finally open for business.
