In a meeting held at the Moroccan administrative capital Rabat, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President Philip Chiyangwa was elected as the chairman of a new bloc of countries, comprising of Member Associations in COSAFA, CECAFA and the Northern Zone.

Speaking after meeting with CECAFA Chairman Mutassim Gaffer, Chiyangwa noted that the working group, comprising of 31 countries will seek to collaborate on matters of technical development, by integrating many components of their activities for synergy and progress.

“We will also act as the “ army” of support to ensure the agenda of CAF President Ahmad, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, are actualized without any interference” Chiyangwa added.

Controlling 31 votes ultimately makes Philip extremely powerful, and now he’s viewed as the Chief Whip of CAF, working to mobilise voters during crucial debates and votes.

CECAFA which has been rocked by endemic dormancy, has received a fresh new lease of life from this development, as Chiyangwa is known to be quite persuasive when pursuing his agenda.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino would be happy to know that his re-election campaign has already received backing of the most flamboyant FA President in Africa, despite the fact that the Swiss Citizen hasn’t formally announced if he intends to view again in the next elections.

On his part, Mutassim Gaffer has been facing a myriad of challenges, with Sudan coming out of a FIFA ban recently. He is seen as to be latching on this partnership for his political survival due to the real challenges he faces at home. Tanzania FA President is also facing tribulations after being arrested without bail, for allegations ranging from corruption to money-laundering.

“We want to strengthen ourselves as a bloc, by speaking in one voice so as to mitigate against any unforseen circumstances ahead” Chiyangwa said.

He will be attending the CECAFA Congress in September as a special guest.