Zifa sets key poll dates

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee, which is also responsible for overseeing the electoral process ahead of the upcoming Executive Committee elections, has announced that it will reveal the list of eligible candidates for the January 25 polls on December 23.

Nominations for candidates opened on November 22 and will close on December 11, following which the committee will begin the vetting process to ensure that all candidates meet the necessary criteria.

During a press briefing yesterday, committee member Nyasha Sanyamandwe assured stakeholders that the election process would be free, fair, and credible. The elections will fill nine posts on the ZIFA board, including the president, two deputies (one of whom must be a woman), and six other board members. The successful candidates will also be joined by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson and the head of women's football.

"We promise that this is going to be a free, fair, and credible election. Following the opening of nominations, we intend to receive them until December 11, and we will begin the vetting process. On December 23, we will announce the list of candidates that have passed the eligibility test and will contest the elections," said Sanyamandwe.

Several high-profile figures have already expressed interest in contesting the presidency, including PSL chairperson Farai Jere, Northern Region Division One Soccer League chairman Martin Kweza, Yadah FC's Walter Magaya, former legislator Temba Mliswa, and Nqobile Magwizi.

Candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria, including five years of experience in football administration and five Ordinary Level passes. In addition, the electoral committee has urged candidates who currently hold positions within ZIFA structures to step down ahead of the elections in order to avoid conflicts of interest.

"Conflict of interest is not tolerated, so those who hold office and want to be voted into the ZIFA board should do the needful. They should hit the ground running and do the needful," Sanyamandwe emphasized.

However, Kweza has recently been embroiled in a legal battle that questions his position as the Northern Region chairperson. Despite this, committee chairman Lincoln Mutasa downplayed the issue, stating that the ZIFA Normalisation Committee would not be involved in legal matters. "As you are aware, FIFA does not support handling football matters in the courts. These cases should be dealt with within ZIFA's judicial bodies. So, as far as cases are being taken to the courts, it doesn't concern us," Mutasa said.

Mutasa also clarified that the Normalisation Committee's mandate is limited to overseeing the election of the ZIFA executive board. The committee does not have the authority to conduct elections for grassroots structures. "We were told by FIFA that our mandate is conducting elections for the ZIFA board only. The new executive committee will then take over and manage the elections for other areas within the organization," he said.

With the election process well underway, ZIFA's leadership transition is poised to bring significant changes to the country's football administration. As the date for candidate announcements approaches, the football community eagerly awaits the list of those who will contest the election and shape the future of Zimbabwean football.