Rufaro Muhwira has officially launched his campaign for the ZIFA Mashonaland West Province Chairperson position, unveiling a reform-focused manifesto aimed at transforming provincial football into a competitive, transparent and professionally run league.

Presenting his manifesto under the theme “Building a Competitive, Transparent and Professional League for All,” Muhwira said the time had come to rebuild football structures from grassroots to provincial level. “We are ushering in a new era of professionalism, transparency and fairness, where every club, player and official has a role in shaping the future of our game,” he said.

At the centre of his campaign is a commitment to fair competition and merit-based football administration. Muhwira pledged that promotion and relegation will be determined purely by on-field performance, with no space for favoritism or political interference. 

He also underscored the importance of proper player contracts and fair compensation for clubs that nurture young talent, saying this would support sustainability and long-term growth across the province.

Player welfare forms a major pillar of his proposed reforms. If elected, Muhwira plans to establish a welfare and medical support system—funded through sponsorships or a dedicated fund—to cushion players from the financial burden of injuries. 

He stressed that dignity and health must be guaranteed for every footballer, regardless of the division they play in.

Capacity building is another key aspect of his agenda. Muhwira intends to introduce sports management and technical training for administrators, coaches and technical staff to raise the league’s professional standards. He believes a well-trained leadership structure is essential for meaningful football development.

He has also promised to introduce monthly and seasonal awards to motivate players, coaches and clubs, fostering a culture that recognizes performance and excellence across all divisions. Stakeholder engagement is equally central to his vision, with plans to involve clubs, referees, sponsors and supporters in key decision-making processes to strengthen unity and accountability within the province.

Youth development remains a cornerstone of his manifesto. Muhwira plans to establish provincial technical teams at Under-15, Under-17, Under-20 and senior levels, while encouraging clubs to run junior sides that feature as curtain-raisers before senior matches. He also reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on corruption in officiating, promising strict oversight and advancement for referees who demonstrate professionalism.

 “We will not tolerate corruption. Dishonest officials will be dealt with through proper channels, while those who perform with integrity will be promoted,” he said.

Muhwira brings decades of experience as both player and administrator. His football journey began in the early 1980s at Chikuti and Chibara Primary Schools in Karoi before progressing into competitive club football with Mhangura FC, Grain Super FC and LDS FC in Chinhoyi. A knee injury in 2004 ended his playing career, but he soon transitioned into administration.

He has served as a committee member at Golden Kopje FC, welfare manager at Kurai United, chief scout at Township Rangers, and club president at Chinhoyi FC and Chicken Rangers. 

In 2012, he joined the Zimbabwe senior national team setup as the Warriors’ kit manager. He later played a key role in reviving Alaska FC and was a founding member of Chinhoyi Rangers FC.

In 2024, Muhwira was credited with rescuing CCLEE Mhangura from collapse after being appointed divisional administrator and technical team analyst, rebuilding both technical and operational structures. In 2025, he took up an advisory role on the Chinhoyi Rangers FC board.

His professional qualifications include a Level One Sports Administration Certificate (2010), Grassroots Development Certificate (2011), Level One Coaching Certificate (2013) and a Sports Business Certificate completed in 2025.

As the ZIFA Mashonaland West elections draw closer, Muhwira says his campaign is anchored on restoring pride and trust in provincial football. “This is our time, our game, our future,” he said.