Mudslinging, namedropping intensify ahead of ZIFA polls

The race for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidency has intensified, with candidates raising objections against rivals as the vetting of their credentials continues. The elections, set for January 25, will usher in a new ZIFA executive, but the process has already been marked by controversy and accusations among the aspirants.

A team of experts is currently assessing the eligibility of candidates vying for various positions, including the presidency and board memberships. The final list of approved candidates is expected to be released on December 23, paving the way for a full-fledged campaign period.

However, the race has seen a series of objections targeting the three frontrunners: Martin Kweza, Philemon Machana, and Walter Magaya.

In a formal objection submitted yesterday, Terrence Pachirere challenged Kweza's candidacy, alleging that he was involved in legal issues at his workplace, which was under investigation. Notably, Pachirere has no record of criminal convictions.

Meanwhile, a separate objection filed by K. Mugadzaweta has raised allegations of financial misconduct against Machana, purportedly linked to his time on the ZIFA board between December 2018 and November 2021. These allegations, however, are similar to charges Machana and other board members were recently acquitted of.

Magaya's nomination has also come under scrutiny. M. Chigwedere objected to his candidacy, citing a prior conviction and ongoing court cases involving the leader of the Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance Ministries.

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee has stated that all candidates must meet the requirements outlined in the association's Disciplinary and Ethics Code. Legal representative Nyasha Sanyamandwe emphasized the importance of transparency in the nomination process, explaining that candidates must declare any prior convictions.

"We are guided by the ZIFA Disciplinary and Ethics Code, which was included in the nomination forms," Sanyamandwe said. "Candidates were required to declare if they had been convicted of any offenses. The ethics committee will assist in determining eligibility, guided by both the code and ZIFA statutes."

Other presidential hopefuls include Nqobile Magwizi, Themba Mliswa, Benjani Mwaruwari, Makwinji Soma-Phiri, Twine Phiri, Martial Gore, and Farai Jere.

As the vetting process continues, questions linger about the integrity of the race and the commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. The outcome of the vetting and the subsequent election will be closely watched, as it will shape the future of Zimbabwean football governance.