Prophet Magaya fails to produce O' levels proof

Controversial self-proclaimed prophet and football club owner Walter Magaya has failed in his court bid to halt the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential elections, scheduled for January 25. Magaya, who owns Yadah Stars FC, was disqualified from the race after failing to meet the minimum requirement of five O-Level passes.

Magaya had approached the High Court to challenge his disqualification, but Justice Tawanda Chitapi dismissed his application, citing his failure to provide proof of his academic qualifications. Delivering judgment, Justice Chitapi clarified that the ZIFA electoral committee's requirement for O-Levels could not be bypassed, regardless of higher qualifications such as diplomas or degrees.

"I accept that the minimum was a pass with 5 O' Levels," said Justice Chitapi. "The applicant would be required to produce an O-Level certificate even if he holds a PhD. In the present matter, the applicant has been coy in disclosing further information regarding his qualifications to correct the committee's decision."

Magaya's disqualification follows a similar fate for other high-profile candidates, including former Zimbabwe national team captain Benjani Mwaruwari, Caps United owner Farai Jere, and former Norton independent MP Temba Mliswa. While Mliswa also challenged his disqualification, he later withdrew his case and endorsed frontrunner Nqobile Magwizi.

The race for ZIFA presidency now features six candidates: Nqobile Magwizi, Twine Phiri, Marshal Gore, Philemon Machana, Martin Kweza, and Makwinji Phiri. Magwizi has emerged as the clear favorite ahead of Saturday's polls, with significant backing from various stakeholders in Zimbabwean football.

Magaya's failure to produce the required credentials has sparked commentary across the country. Prominent broadcaster Ezra Tshisa Sibanda weighed in, saying, "Prayers and anointing oil, together with one of the best legal brains in Zimbabwe, Advocate Thabani Mpofu, failed to convince Justice Tawanda Chitapi to accept Prophet Magaya's application to stop ZIFA elections. The learned judge dismissed Magaya's application, saying it was not clear whether the applicant holds any O-Levels."

Sibanda further remarked, "The clergyman should have accepted his disqualification and concentrated on praying for his followers to pass their O-Level subjects rather than embarrassing himself. Please pray for the prophet."

ZIFA, as the governing body of football in Zimbabwe, is set to elect its new leadership this weekend amid growing anticipation of reform and stability in the sport.