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Objections filed against Kweza, Magaya, Machana nominations

by Staff reporter
1 hr ago | Views
The ZIFA Normalisation Committee is facing significant scrutiny after receiving objections to the nominations of Martin Kweza, Prophet Walter Magaya, and Philemon Machana for key roles in the administration of Zimbabwean football. The objections, filed by three individuals, were directed to the Ethics and Integrity Committee, raising concerns about the candidates' alleged involvement in criminal activities, governance failures, and financial misconduct.

Nyasha Samanyandwe, one of the three remaining members of the Normalisation Committee, confirmed that the letters were received on Monday. Each letter outlines serious accusations against the nominees, putting their suitability for leadership roles into question.

Martin Kweza, currently serving as the ZIFA Chairman for the Northern Region, has been accused of unresolved allegations of criminal abuse of office related to his employment at the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa). A letter of objection submitted by Terrance Pachirere references a January 2024 investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission under case number HRC2/01/24. Additionally, Kweza is implicated in a fraud case reported by Zinwa Chief Executive Engineer T. Maurukira under RRB31/07/24. The objection was submitted to ZIFA on December 16, with a copy also sent to the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC).




Prophet Walter Magaya, a prominent figure and founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, has also come under fire. A letter from one MJ Chigwedere cites Magaya’s 2018 conviction under the Medicines Control Act for falsely advertising a cure for HIV/AIDS, which resulted in a US$700 fine. The objection also raises concerns about alleged tax evasion under Section 81 of the Income Tax Act and disputes involving Get Bucks Microfinance Bank. Furthermore, Chigwedere noted that FIFA barred Magaya’s Yadah FC from registering international players due to violations of licensing rules, arguing that these controversies undermine his ethical and governance credentials.





Philemon Machana, a former ZIFA board member, has been accused of financial impropriety during his tenure. In a letter submitted by K Mugadzaweta, Machana is accused of failing to disclose his financial interests in Conduit Investments and misappropriating Covid-19 relief funds meant for ZIFA. The letter also alleges broader fraud and corruption linked to ZIFA finances under his watch.

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee is now tasked with reviewing these objections through its Ethics and Integrity Committee. The allegations add to the challenges faced by the committee, which has been working to restore credibility and good governance within Zimbabwean football.





As scrutiny intensifies, ZIFA's response to the objections will be pivotal in addressing concerns about the integrity of its leadership and the future of football administration in Zimbabwe.


Source - The Chronicle