News / National
Gilbert Muponda withdraws ZIFA bid, endorses Magwizi
10 Dec 2024 at 17:19hrs | Views
Aspiring Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential candidate Gilbert Muponda has announced his withdrawal from the race, endorsing Nqobile Magwizi for the top post.
In a statement released Monday, Muponda said his decision followed "wide consultation," praising Magwizi's qualifications, experience, and unblemished record in mobilizing resources for football development.
"My campaign encompassed the transformation of Zimbabwean football into a robust industry that significantly impacts the country's gross domestic product (GDP)," Muponda said.
He highlighted five key pillars at the center of his vision for football reform: commercialisation, monetisation, corporatisation, standardisation, and modernisation. These, he noted, were aimed at elevating Zimbabwean football to international standards while ensuring that players, fans, women, and youth benefit meaningfully.
Muponda added that he would now focus his efforts on his GMRI Academy and Dreamers F.C. projects. He expressed full confidence in Magwizi's ability to transform Zimbabwean football, stating:
"I sincerely believe we share the same vision, strategy, and skills to make our game great again. As such, I withdraw with full confidence that Nqobile Magwizi will transform the game when given the opportunity to lead ZIFA."
The ZIFA nomination process is set to close on December 11, with all candidates undergoing an integrity test to confirm their eligibility.
Among those vying for the position are Magwizi, Marshall Gore, Themba Mliswa, Farai Jere, and Walter Magaya.
Magwizi, a prominent figure in Zimbabwean football administration, has served as a board member of the Northern Region Division One side Banket Mine Football Club since 2017. He is also overseeing the installation of bucket seats at the National Sports Stadium as part of his project management duties.
With elections on the horizon, the race for ZIFA's presidency is heating up as candidates pitch their visions for revitalizing Zimbabwean football.
In a statement released Monday, Muponda said his decision followed "wide consultation," praising Magwizi's qualifications, experience, and unblemished record in mobilizing resources for football development.
"My campaign encompassed the transformation of Zimbabwean football into a robust industry that significantly impacts the country's gross domestic product (GDP)," Muponda said.
He highlighted five key pillars at the center of his vision for football reform: commercialisation, monetisation, corporatisation, standardisation, and modernisation. These, he noted, were aimed at elevating Zimbabwean football to international standards while ensuring that players, fans, women, and youth benefit meaningfully.
Muponda added that he would now focus his efforts on his GMRI Academy and Dreamers F.C. projects. He expressed full confidence in Magwizi's ability to transform Zimbabwean football, stating:
"I sincerely believe we share the same vision, strategy, and skills to make our game great again. As such, I withdraw with full confidence that Nqobile Magwizi will transform the game when given the opportunity to lead ZIFA."
The ZIFA nomination process is set to close on December 11, with all candidates undergoing an integrity test to confirm their eligibility.
Among those vying for the position are Magwizi, Marshall Gore, Themba Mliswa, Farai Jere, and Walter Magaya.
Magwizi, a prominent figure in Zimbabwean football administration, has served as a board member of the Northern Region Division One side Banket Mine Football Club since 2017. He is also overseeing the installation of bucket seats at the National Sports Stadium as part of his project management duties.
With elections on the horizon, the race for ZIFA's presidency is heating up as candidates pitch their visions for revitalizing Zimbabwean football.
Source - pindula
