Zifa candidates undergo vetting

With the deadline for the submission of nomination papers for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) elections having passed on Wednesday, the electoral committee has now begun the critical task of vetting candidates for eligibility. In just 10 days, on December 23, aspiring candidates will learn whether they will be able to contest the upcoming elections.

Candidates had until Wednesday to submit their nomination papers, marking the first phase in the election process. The vetting process is expected to scrutinize candidates based on several stringent requirements. Those who pass the vetting process will be announced on January 15, the same day as the confirmation of delegates attending the elective congress on January 25.

Among the key requirements for candidates wishing to contest for positions within ZIFA are age and education standards. To be eligible for the presidency, candidates must be at least 40 years old and possess a minimum of five Ordinary Level passes, including English Language. Candidates must also have been residents of Zimbabwe for the past two years and must not have been convicted or sentenced for any criminal offense.

Notable individuals vying for the presidency include Walter Magaya, the owner of Yadah Stars, business executive Nqobile Magwizi, former Premier Soccer League chairman Twine Phiri, and current ZIFA chairperson Farai Jere. Other notable candidates include politician Temba Mliswa, ZIFA Northern Region chairperson Martin Kweza, former ZIFA board member Philemon Machana, and UK-based Marshal Gore.

Entrepreneur Gilbert Muponda, who was initially in the running, has withdrawn from the race and thrown his support behind Magwizi.

However, Magwizi and Mliswa's eligibility have been called into question, particularly regarding their involvement in ZIFA structures over the last five years, a key criterion for the presidency. While Magwizi's ties to the sponsorships of Dynamos and Highlanders through his employer, Sakunda, do not automatically qualify him, his role as a board member of Banket United might be under closer scrutiny.

For the vice-presidency, Premier Soccer League CEO Kennedy Ndebele is eyeing the position, with stiff competition from former ZIFA vice-presidents Omega Sibanda and Gift Banda, both of whom are also believed to have submitted their papers. Highlanders board member Peter Dube and former club vice-chairperson Modern Ngwenya are also contenders for the vice-presidency's men's quota.

In the women's vice-presidency race, a number of candidates are competing, including Ngezi Platinum Stars CEO Nyasha Kadenge, former ZIFA board member Mavis Gumbo, Loveness Mukura, ex-Caps United administrator Joyce Kapota, and several others.

Close to 40 candidates are vying for positions on the ZIFA board, including seasoned football administrators such as Francis Zimunya, Chicken Inn secretary Tavengwa Hara, ex-ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela, former Warriors manager Shariff Musa, and former ZIFA Southern Region chairperson Andrew Tapela.

Other notable names in the board race include Sweeny Mushonga, Admore Chivero, Morgen Dube, former Harare deputy mayor Kudzai Kadzombe, and several former footballers and football administrators like Makwinji Soma-Phiri, Harlington Shereni, and Blessing Mpande.

The electoral committee is expected to present the list of candidates who meet the eligibility requirements by December 23, with the official list of nominees to be confirmed in January. The results will determine the future leadership of Zimbabwe's football association, with the elective congress scheduled for January 25.