Mliswa warns of legal challenges ahead of Zifa presidential election

Former Norton Member of Parliament and veteran sports administrator Temba Mliswa has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the upcoming Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential election.

Speaking ahead of the January 25 poll, Mliswa warned that failure to thoroughly vet candidates could lead to legal disputes and prolonged instability in Zimbabwean football.

"The vetting process must be thorough and uncompromising. If conflicted candidates are allowed to run, this election could become a legal nightmare," said Mliswa.

He urged ZIFA's independent election vetting committee, chaired by former Harare Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda, to enforce strict eligibility criteria. Mliswa pointed out specific examples of potential conflicts, including candidates who own Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams, hold positions in Parliament, or occupy other influential roles within football administration.

Mliswa singled out CAPS United chairman and Member of Parliament Farai Jere, arguing that his dual roles are incompatible.

"As a Member of Parliament, you are conflicted. Parliament provides oversight - oversight of football and everything. If you're also ZIFA president, how do you ensure impartiality? Jere should resign from Parliament or withdraw from the race," Mliswa stated.

He also criticized Northern Region chairperson Martin Kweza for contesting the ZIFA presidency without relinquishing his current role. "Anyone running for ZIFA president should resign from their current positions. If Kweza loses, he could still destabilize the organization from his current role, creating unnecessary challenges for the new president," he said.

Mliswa accused some candidates of using donations to the sport as campaign tools. He took issue with Nqobile Magwizi claiming credit for bucket seats donated by Sakunda, arguing that such contributions belong to fans, not an individual's election strategy.

Turning his focus to Prophet Walter Magaya, Mliswa questioned the authenticity of his contributions to Zimbabwean football. "Building a stadium on church grounds for personal control is not the same as donating it to local authorities or ZIFA. Genuine contributions should benefit all stakeholders," he said.

Mliswa emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and ethics during the election process, stating that unresolved conflicts could lead to prolonged legal battles.

"Legal battles could paralyze ZIFA for months, if not years. Let's avoid that by doing the right thing now. This election is not just about picking a leader; it's about restoring credibility to Zimbabwean football," he said.

The veteran sports administrator urged the vetting committee to ensure only candidates with clean records and no conflicts of interest proceed.

As the election date approaches, Mliswa highlighted the need for accountability and dignity among candidates. "This election will be a true test of people's integrity and dignity. Let's focus on restoring Zimbabwean football and ensuring a fair and transparent process," he said.

The ZIFA presidential election comes at a critical time for Zimbabwean football, with many stakeholders hoping the poll will mark a new era of stability and professionalism in the sport.