Infrastructure development takes centre stage at Zifa polls

In just eight days, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Electoral Committee will reveal the names of candidates who have passed the integrity test for the upcoming ZIFA board elections. Among the positions up for grabs is the coveted ZIFA presidency, a role that has drawn significant interest with eight candidates vying for the top spot.

The nomination process for the elections closed on Wednesday, attracting a substantial number of contenders. While most candidates have yet to release their detailed manifestos, early indications suggest that infrastructure development will dominate campaign discussions.

Zimbabwe is grappling with a critical shortage of CAF-certified stadiums, forcing national and club teams to seek alternative venues abroad. During the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Warriors were unable to play any home games, yet still managed to secure qualification.

On the club front, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos had to host their CAF interclub matches outside the country, with Ngezi playing in Zambia and Dynamos settling for Botswana.

The urgent need for modern football facilities has become a central theme in the presidential race, with several candidates pledging to address the crisis if elected.

The eight candidates vying for the ZIFA presidency are: Walter Magaya, Nqobile Magwizi, Themba Mliswa, Twine Phiri, Farai Jere, Marshall Gore, Philemon Machana, and Martin Kweza.

Walter Magaya, a prominent preacher and entrepreneur, has made strides in infrastructure development with projects such as the Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe, which will accommodate 10,000 fans, and the Heart Stadium in Waterfalls, Harare.

Nqobile Magwizi, regarded as a strong contender, is leading efforts to renovate the National Sports Stadium in partnership with Sakunda Holdings. Recent progress includes the arrival of bucket seats from China, part of an ambitious plan to refurbish the iconic venue.

Outgoing Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman Farai Jere is banking on his legacy, which includes securing a 1,400-hectare piece of land in Harare for PSL offices - a first in the league's history.

Other candidates, including seasoned administrators Twine Phiri and Martin Kweza, bring experience and a track record of leadership at regional and national levels.

Councillors within ZIFA's Assembly have emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, urging candidates to prioritise the construction and refurbishment of stadiums.

"Infrastructure is the backbone of football development. For the game to grow, we need world-class facilities across the provinces," said one councillor.

Incoming Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association (ZNSSA) president Joseph Mutau echoed this sentiment, lamenting the lack of home-ground advantage for the Warriors during the AFCON qualifiers.

"It's critical that we have stadiums capable of hosting international matches. Fans want to see the Warriors play on home soil," Mutau said during a ZNSSA meeting in Highfield.

The ZNSSA also called for the inclusion of a fans' representative in the ZIFA Assembly, emphasizing the role of supporters in shaping the future of Zimbabwean football.

With infrastructure development emerging as a key campaign focus, candidates are expected to present detailed plans to address the country's stadium crisis. Observers are also calling for a president who can unite the football fraternity, prioritise grassroots development, and foster equity across regions.

"We need a leader with a passion for the game, not politics," said another councillor.

The forthcoming elections represent a pivotal moment for Zimbabwean football, offering a chance to address long-standing challenges and lay a solid foundation for future growth. Fans, players, and stakeholders alike are eager to see the sport revitalised under new leadership.