Nomads justify bloated supporters committee

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have defended their decision to appoint a bloated supporters’ committee which has 119 members.

On Wednesday, the Nomads released a list of  names appointed into national, Northern, Southern, Central and Eastern regions supporters committees.

However, observers feel the number of 119 is on the higher side and might end up draining resources.

But the club’s board secretary Chancy Gondwe in an interview yesterday said while the large number of the supporters committee’s composition may lead to spending more resources, they considered several factors when appointing them.

He said: “In terms of resource management, while managing large supporters’ committees may require some resources, with proper organisation, delegation and engagement, the committee can be a valuable asset to the company without overly draining its resources.

“We considered that, but according to us, a large committee means a greater variety of perspectives, ideas and opinions.  This diversity can help the club consider different viewpoints and make more well-rounded decisions.”

Gondwe said the Nomads want to engage more supporters nationwide.

He said: “Apart from that, a large committee will help engage more supporters in the club’s activities and decision-making processes. This can help build a stronger sense of  involvement among fans.”

Gondwe said the 119 members  also have various skills and experience which will add value to the club.

He said: “With a large committee, the club will also have access to a wider range of skills, expertise, and resources that can be beneficial for various club initiatives and projects.

“The  committee will also help the club reach a broader audience and connect with more fans. This can be especially valuable for marketing, promotions and increasing fan loyalty.”

But football analyst Patrick Zgambo felt there could  have been another way of improving efficiency than having a bloated supporters’ committees.

He said: “That’s where the confusion starts. The club should find a healthier way and formulated structures to engage their supporters so that they are an asset to the team and not excess to the budget.”

Another football analyst Peter Kanjere said their roles could justify whether the number is big.

He said: “We can only read too much into the number  if we are aware of their responsibilities. I would agree with those who are saying that the number is big if Wanderers will act as their employer. But if they will work like volunteers, a club like Wanderers, the number is not that big.”

On the other hand, Parly Chinyama, another analyst, said: “Wanderers as a team, has done a good job to put in place the supporters committee.

“For me, the bloated supporters committee as being purported, it’s okay as long as no finances are going to be channelled to the committees for it’s operations.

“The committee should be used as a tool for generating income which should benefit the team. The more committee members the more they can woe supporters to rally behind the team.”

Wanderers are restructuring following the takeover of the club by business mogul and philanthropist Thomson Mpinganjira, who is also the club’s president.

Mpinganjira dissolved the supporters’ board, the national supporters and  regional supporters committees early this month.

Following the new appointments, Mervin Nkunika is national supporters committee chairperson with Bishop Chimwenje as his deputy and Dave Pemba as the general secretary.