Sports / Soccer
Chiyangwa still consulting on Zifa presidency
20 Oct 2015 at 07:14hrs | Views
FLAMBOYANT businessman Phillip Chiyangwa has all but confirmed his interest in running for the vacant Zifa presidency in elections set for December 5. The elections were called after the mandate of the Zifa board led by Cuthbert Dube was revoked by the association's councillors at an extraordinary general meeting held on October 3.
Other board members that were ejected include suspended vice-president Omega Sibanda, Tawengwa Hara, John Phiri, Fungai Chihuri, Twine Phiri, Ben Gwarada, Miriam Sibanda and acting women's football boss Elizabeth Langa. Asked to comment on swirling rumours that he was eyeing the country's top football post, Chiyangwa said: "I'm still consulting on the Zifa president post."
He had promised to give Chronicle Spor an exclusive interview on the matter over the weekend as he had planned to watch the Warriors' Chan qualifier against Lesotho on Sunday. He, however, sent a text message on Sunday morning advising that he was now going to Cape Town, South Africa, following the tragic death of Zanele Moyo, daughter of the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Professor Jonathan Moyo.
The Harare businessman was thought to be ineligible due to the five-year football administration experience requirement as per Zifa statutes, but Chronicle Sport is reliably informed that Zifa Northern Region side Chegutu Pirates are ready to confirm that he has been part of their administration.
Meanwhile, Fifa have confirmed that the suspended trio of vice-president Sibanda and board members Gwarada and Miriam are all eligible to run for office in the December polls. There had been uncertainty over their eligibility after they were suspended by the then Dube-led board over a cocktail of allegations.
Zifa chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze allegedly wrote to other board members advising them of their suspension except the trio on the grounds that they first had to face a disciplinary hearing. However, Fifa development officer for Central and Southern Africa Arshford Mamelodi yesterday told Chronicle Sport that the suspended trio's qualification will only be ascertained by the electoral committee, who will vet them like any other candidates.
"To the best of my knowledge, they are all eligible (for election) subject to them being permitted by the electoral board," said the Botswana-based Fifa official. It means the trio can only be disqualified if they fail to meet the criteria of the electoral process.
Other board members that were ejected include suspended vice-president Omega Sibanda, Tawengwa Hara, John Phiri, Fungai Chihuri, Twine Phiri, Ben Gwarada, Miriam Sibanda and acting women's football boss Elizabeth Langa. Asked to comment on swirling rumours that he was eyeing the country's top football post, Chiyangwa said: "I'm still consulting on the Zifa president post."
He had promised to give Chronicle Spor an exclusive interview on the matter over the weekend as he had planned to watch the Warriors' Chan qualifier against Lesotho on Sunday. He, however, sent a text message on Sunday morning advising that he was now going to Cape Town, South Africa, following the tragic death of Zanele Moyo, daughter of the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Professor Jonathan Moyo.
Meanwhile, Fifa have confirmed that the suspended trio of vice-president Sibanda and board members Gwarada and Miriam are all eligible to run for office in the December polls. There had been uncertainty over their eligibility after they were suspended by the then Dube-led board over a cocktail of allegations.
Zifa chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze allegedly wrote to other board members advising them of their suspension except the trio on the grounds that they first had to face a disciplinary hearing. However, Fifa development officer for Central and Southern Africa Arshford Mamelodi yesterday told Chronicle Sport that the suspended trio's qualification will only be ascertained by the electoral committee, who will vet them like any other candidates.
"To the best of my knowledge, they are all eligible (for election) subject to them being permitted by the electoral board," said the Botswana-based Fifa official. It means the trio can only be disqualified if they fail to meet the criteria of the electoral process.
Source - chronicle
