News / National
Stampede for Zifa board positions
2 hrs ago | Views
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) elections scheduled for January 25, 2025, are poised to be among the most hotly contested in the organization's history. With an impressive lineup of candidates and significant positions up for grabs, the event has drawn comparisons to the landmark 1980 elections that saw Moroni Mushambadope become ZIFA's first president.
The ZIFA Assembly will elect a president, two vice presidents (one of whom must be a woman), and six board members. Nominations officially closed yesterday, revealing a host of prominent figures in Zimbabwean football vying for various positions.
Among the notable names are Simba Bhora owner Simba “Buju” Ndoro and Brighton “Panjap” Ushendibaba, a director at reigning Premier Soccer League champions. Both have confirmed their candidacy for the ZIFA Executive Committee.
“I filed my papers; it's confirmed,” Ushendibaba told Zimpapers Sports Hub. Ndoro also expressed his excitement, saying, “It's true, I have joined the race. Let's see how it goes.”
Adding to the intrigue, Prophet Walter Magaya, a clergyman known for his emphasis on football infrastructure development, submitted his papers just before the deadline. Although Magaya had previously hinted at his indecision, his entry cements him as a strong contender for the presidency.
The presidential contest promises to be fierce, with several high-profile candidates throwing their hats into the ring. Corporate magnate Nqobile Magwizi, renowned for championing the renovation of the National Sports Stadium, has entered the fray. Magwizi also represents Sakunda Holdings, a key sponsor of local football giants Dynamos and Highlanders.
Former Premier Soccer League chairman and CAPS United president Twin Phiri is another candidate for the top seat. Current PSL chairman and Makepekepe owner Farai Jere confirmed his candidacy last week, announcing his decision to step down from his current role to focus on the ZIFA elections.
Politician Temba Mliswa, former ZIFA Board member Philemon Machana, and UK-based football enthusiast Marshall Gore have also expressed interest. Northern Region chairman Martin Kweza has joined the race as well, adding further depth to the list of contenders.
The vice presidential race has attracted notable names, including incumbent Gift Banda, who filed his papers yesterday. Banda, known for his tenure as owner of Njube Sundowns, faces potential competition from former Highlanders chairman Peter Dube, Omega Sibanda, and 1984 Soccer Star of the Year James Takavada. Premier Soccer League CEO Kennedy Ndebele is also eyeing the vice presidency.
The new ZIFA Constitution mandates that one of the two vice presidents be a woman, prompting strong interest from several prominent female football administrators. Former women's football leader Mavis Gumbo, Herentals Queens chairperson Loveness Mukura, and ex-Ngezi Platinum Stars CEO Nyasha Kadenge are among those seeking the position. Others include Joyce Kapota, Patience Mutumwa, and veteran administrator Anna Mguni.
The ZIFA Board members' race has drawn an unprecedented number of candidates, with over 30 individuals filing nominations. These include former Dynamos vice chairman Vincent Chawonza, Northern Region secretary Sweeney Mushonga, and ex-Gunners owner Cuthbert Chitima. Notable former footballers such as Harlington Shereni, Makwinji Soma Phiri, and 1996 Soccer Star of the Year Alois Bunjira are also in the running.
Women's football representatives Beaular Musara, Tafadzwa Benza, and Tinashe Malunga have joined the race, alongside seasoned administrators like Andrew Tapela, Walter Musanhu, and Black Rhinos chairman Edward Mutukwa.
While the ZIFA Electoral Committee has withheld the complete list of candidates pending eligibility checks, the full slate of contenders will be confirmed on December 23. The Ethics Committee will conduct a rigorous vetting process to ensure compliance with the association's standards.
With such a diverse and high-profile pool of candidates, the January elections promise to shape the future of Zimbabwean football in unprecedented ways.
The ZIFA Assembly will elect a president, two vice presidents (one of whom must be a woman), and six board members. Nominations officially closed yesterday, revealing a host of prominent figures in Zimbabwean football vying for various positions.
Among the notable names are Simba Bhora owner Simba “Buju” Ndoro and Brighton “Panjap” Ushendibaba, a director at reigning Premier Soccer League champions. Both have confirmed their candidacy for the ZIFA Executive Committee.
“I filed my papers; it's confirmed,” Ushendibaba told Zimpapers Sports Hub. Ndoro also expressed his excitement, saying, “It's true, I have joined the race. Let's see how it goes.”
Adding to the intrigue, Prophet Walter Magaya, a clergyman known for his emphasis on football infrastructure development, submitted his papers just before the deadline. Although Magaya had previously hinted at his indecision, his entry cements him as a strong contender for the presidency.
The presidential contest promises to be fierce, with several high-profile candidates throwing their hats into the ring. Corporate magnate Nqobile Magwizi, renowned for championing the renovation of the National Sports Stadium, has entered the fray. Magwizi also represents Sakunda Holdings, a key sponsor of local football giants Dynamos and Highlanders.
Former Premier Soccer League chairman and CAPS United president Twin Phiri is another candidate for the top seat. Current PSL chairman and Makepekepe owner Farai Jere confirmed his candidacy last week, announcing his decision to step down from his current role to focus on the ZIFA elections.
Politician Temba Mliswa, former ZIFA Board member Philemon Machana, and UK-based football enthusiast Marshall Gore have also expressed interest. Northern Region chairman Martin Kweza has joined the race as well, adding further depth to the list of contenders.
The vice presidential race has attracted notable names, including incumbent Gift Banda, who filed his papers yesterday. Banda, known for his tenure as owner of Njube Sundowns, faces potential competition from former Highlanders chairman Peter Dube, Omega Sibanda, and 1984 Soccer Star of the Year James Takavada. Premier Soccer League CEO Kennedy Ndebele is also eyeing the vice presidency.
The new ZIFA Constitution mandates that one of the two vice presidents be a woman, prompting strong interest from several prominent female football administrators. Former women's football leader Mavis Gumbo, Herentals Queens chairperson Loveness Mukura, and ex-Ngezi Platinum Stars CEO Nyasha Kadenge are among those seeking the position. Others include Joyce Kapota, Patience Mutumwa, and veteran administrator Anna Mguni.
The ZIFA Board members' race has drawn an unprecedented number of candidates, with over 30 individuals filing nominations. These include former Dynamos vice chairman Vincent Chawonza, Northern Region secretary Sweeney Mushonga, and ex-Gunners owner Cuthbert Chitima. Notable former footballers such as Harlington Shereni, Makwinji Soma Phiri, and 1996 Soccer Star of the Year Alois Bunjira are also in the running.
Women's football representatives Beaular Musara, Tafadzwa Benza, and Tinashe Malunga have joined the race, alongside seasoned administrators like Andrew Tapela, Walter Musanhu, and Black Rhinos chairman Edward Mutukwa.
While the ZIFA Electoral Committee has withheld the complete list of candidates pending eligibility checks, the full slate of contenders will be confirmed on December 23. The Ethics Committee will conduct a rigorous vetting process to ensure compliance with the association's standards.
With such a diverse and high-profile pool of candidates, the January elections promise to shape the future of Zimbabwean football in unprecedented ways.
Source - the herald
