ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa yesterday officially opened the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League sports writers workshop that got underway on Wednesday and will end this afternoon saying the media and the game were twins who should walk hand-in-hand. Chiyangwa said football needed the media and the two parties needed to work together for the good of the game.“Football and the media are inextricably intertwined, hence it is undeniable that the popularity that the beautiful game enjoys today is a direct result of tireless efforts of members of the fourth estate,” said Chiyangwa.

“I am reliably informed that the major objective of this workshop is to broaden the understanding of the management and administration of football in Zimbabwe.

“Football and sport journalism have evolved and undergone a revolution.

“I am very optimistic that this three-day all-embracing workshop will also come up with areas of continuous mutual co-operation between the media and football administrators. I would like to thank the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League for organising such an important event.”

The ZIFA boss said he was confident the workshop will enlighten participants on pertinent issues with regards to latest trends in football management, coaching, media operations, management of competitions, crowd management, Fair Play code, Laws of the Game, the role of the media in football development, integrity in sport and club licensing.