ZIFA elections trigger controversy

With the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) elections looming, the race to elect a new president, vice presidents, and committee members has taken a dramatic turn, mired in allegations of corruption, forgery, and manipulation. The elections, set for January 25, 2025, are meant to bring new leadership to a football governing body plagued by mismanagement and controversy.

One of the most explosive developments involves the arrest of former Bulawayo deputy mayor and councillor Gift Banda. A vice-presidential hopeful, Banda is accused of forging an Ordinary Level (O-Level) certificate, a key requirement for candidacy. The certificate was reportedly submitted as part of his nomination papers. Banda's arrest has cast doubt on the legitimacy of his campaign and raised broader concerns about the vetting process.

The allegations have intensified scrutiny on ZIFA's normalisation committee, tasked with vetting candidates before the December 23 announcement of eligible contenders.

Banda's arrest is just one of several controversies overshadowing the elections. Prominent figures like Walter Magaya, vying for the presidency, have also faced allegations of electoral manipulation and corruption. Critics argue these issues undermine the credibility of an already fragile process.

The presidency has attracted an array of high-profile candidates, including Temba Mliswa, Farai Jere, Marshall Gore, Philemon Machana, and Twine Phiri. Notably, football legend Peter Ndlovu has opted out of the race.

The vice-presidential race is equally competitive, with candidates like Omega Sibanda, Peter Dube, Kennedy Ndebele, and Banda vying for the two posts, one of which is reserved for a woman. Female candidates for the vice-presidency include Nyasha Kadenge, Mavis Gumbo, Loveness Mukura, and others.

Candidates for the six ZIFA board member positions include a mix of football administrators and former players, such as Xolisani Gwesela, Alois Bunjira, and Isaiah Mupfurutsa.

The allegations against Banda and Magaya have underscored longstanding concerns about ZIFA's integrity. Critics argue the election process is vulnerable to corruption and lacks the transparency necessary to restore trust in the association.

ZIFA, often accused of being emblematic of wider institutional failures in Zimbabwe, faces immense pressure to reform. The normalisation committee, established to oversee the elections, has promised to ensure a fair vetting process. However, the controversies have raised doubts about its effectiveness.

Nominations, which opened on November 22, will close on December 11. The vetting process will follow, with results expected on December 23.

The stakes are high for Zimbabwean football, which has struggled under years of administrative dysfunction. As allegations swirl and skeletons tumble out of candidates' closets, stakeholders are calling for transparency and integrity in the process to ensure the election ushers in a new era for the sport.

The controversies surrounding the ZIFA elections highlight a critical juncture for the sport in Zimbabwe. The outcome will not only determine the leadership of the association but also set the tone for the future of football in the country.

As the January 25 election date approaches, the focus will remain on whether the process can deliver credible leaders or further deepen the crisis in Zimbabwean football.