The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Phillip Chiyangwa has promised Zimbabweans more surprises in terms of football representation in international football.

Chiyangwa was elected as president of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) after he stood unopposed at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting at Sun City, South Africa over the weekend.

He was speaking upon his arrival from South Africa yesterday where he received a resounding welcome from football followers at the Harare International Airport.

 Chiyangwa took over from Mr Suketu Patel, who elected not to stand after completing two terms in office.

“It’s a big post which comes worth a huge responsibly. I know Zimbabwean are surprised but hazvisati zvatanga. Handisi kumirira zve COSAFA chete. When I submitted my name, people were surprised. But I was to assure them of more surprises. I am looking forward to go further. We claim what’s ours and I said it when I won the ZIFA elections last year. When I came into football, many people thought it was a joke. But I guess this at this stage, I have proved to all doubters that I mean business. We have been marginalized for a long time as a country,” he said. 

“There are times even our CAF doesn’t even recognize us (Zimbabwe) but this position will air our concerns. Development is the objective as I enter this new office. It’s a position that will allow me to work with many regions and I feel there are benefits to learn from other countries. I want to help develop football in the COSAFA region but it will start with our country”

Chiyangwa said Zimbabweans must celebrate his new appointment.

His other contender for the role of COSAFA president, Danny Jordan from the South African Football Association, withdrew before the vote. 

“I am delighted with the support of the region, who unanimously welcomed my appointment, I accepted the role and I will lead. I have always been a leaders not only in football. But that being the case, kune vaya vaya vanozongoda kutaurisa nekundinyomba. This is not the time. Ngatifarei tese for now. I want Zimbabweans to celebrate this post with me. It’s not my name, it’s the country on the limelight. It’s the country’s flag. It’s the first thing happening to Zimbabwe and what more do we want.”

The Harare business mogul believes the new post will open financial opportunities for the country, not only in the football sector but I tourism among other related subject.

“Imagine, if we are to host delegated here? I now have the powers to make such suspected. This is not only good for Zimbabwe football, but many players even in the tourism industry will benefit. Imagine hosting a congress, even for COSAFA, of CAF. That’s why I want Zimbabweans to embrace this appointment and we work together towards this goal. We have great sponsors in COSAFA region and these relationships now need to be nurtured. We have built a credible institution that is accountable to its members”