Mliswa claims ZIFA Ethics Committee compromised, to appeal

The Zimbabwe Football Association presidential hopeful, Temba Mliswa, who did not meet the eligibility criteria this Monday alleges that the country's football governing body is compromised and too corrupt, with preparations to legally challenge disqualification on course.

Three candidates were dropped out of the race in accordance with Article 85(9) after failing to meet requirements stipulated in the ZIFA Statutes of 2024.

Temba Mliswa (the Village Headman), Caps United boss, Farai Jere and Cleric Walter Magaya were on Monday struck off the final list of those vying for ZIFA's highest post.

Soon after announcement of the successful candidates for the top post, Mliswa alleges in a statement that he was offered money to stay away from the race.

"If it is true that this is what the Ethics Committee came up with, we have a right to challenge and we shall challenge. This is only a battle. The war is yet to start," Mliswa said.

"We will ensure that the right things are done and I have no doubt that the laws of this country will protect the citizens and the right thing will come out of it. That constitution is flawed and it can be challenged left, right and centre," added Mliswa.

"The whole process of the constitution to get to that point can be challenged too. There are many things and so the ace card is yet to be played," Mliswa said.

"ZIFA wants Nqobile Magwizi (who qualified). There is a lot of money which has been spent, money which has been thrown around," added Mliswa.

He further accused the ethics committee of being corrupt.

"An Ethics Committee which is supposed to be ethical has become corrupt and if that is the position. I am seeing this and that and so forth," Mliswa added.

"So I would not want to say much, but the Sports Recreation Commission (SRC) was very clear that it wanted Magwizi.The SRC was very clear and I have inside information pertaining to that," Mliswa added.

"He was their blue-eyed boy, you know. You do not want a president of ZIFA who will not be allowed to watch soccer in Zimbabwe," he said.

The fitness trainer also urged ZIFA not to disappoint and provoke the people of Zimbabwe.

"You cannot then later say, they are lawless. No, they are not and allow a process to happen. You see? Politics process, and so forth. They have a chosen blue-eyed boy who they want. A lot has happened. And then the next thing, there are a number of blue-eyed boys that they wanted to get in. But we will challenge the entire process," highlighted Mliswa.

He however told the selection committee not to worry.

"They must not worry because the right thing will happen. But what I can tell you is that I do not think people have a heart for football.

"It is about personal agendas, pushing their own interests and all that. I will fight and will not be compromised. Like I said, we have been offered a lot to step down. And I said, no. I will lose in the ballot," Mliswa alleged.

The state of Zimbabwean football is deeply concerning, with corruption and political interference taking centre stage.

At the heart of the matter lies the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) which plays a pivotal role in influencing key decisions.

Another critical issue is the ZIFA Councillors’ term, which expired in 2022. Despite this, no steps have been taken to rectify the situation and this failure to address overdue reforms highlights a troubling lack of accountability and transparency within the football administration.

The list of successful candidates is as follows:


Presidential Candidates:

• Marshall Gore
• Philemon Machana
• Nqobile Magwizi
• Martin Kweza
• Twine Phiri
• Makwinje Phiri

Vice President Candidates:

• Mavis Gumbo
• Patience Mutumwa
• Winnet Murota
• Joyce R Kapota
• Loveness Mukura
• Kennedy Ndebele
• Omega Sibanda
• Peter Dube
• Omega Sibanda
• Francis Nyamutsamba
• Simbarashe J Takava
• Peter Dube