Susan Mutami warns against electing Mliswa as Zifa President

Susan Mutami, the former partner of aspiring Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential candidate Temba Mliswa, has called on football stakeholders to reject his candidacy, alleging that he lacks the integrity and responsibility required for the role.

Mutami, who resides in Australia and shares a son with Mliswa, took to social media platform X to voice her concerns. In her post, she accused the former legislator of failing to support their child, Tinotenda, financially and warned of potential risks for women within the football community if Mliswa were elected.

Mutami alleged that Mliswa has not contributed to the upbringing of their three-year-old son and labeled him an "irresponsible father." She expressed disbelief that he could campaign for ZIFA's top post while neglecting his parental duties.

"To date, he has never contributed a single cent towards Tino's upkeep. I'm surprised he's even printing out t-shirts and buying you guys lunch when Tinotenda...is living at the mercy of the Australian government," she wrote.

Mutami further cautioned that electing Mliswa could create a hostile environment for female soccer players and office staff, suggesting they could face exploitation under his leadership.

"You will be putting all your female soccer players and office staff at risk of being taken advantage of, and before you know it, the whole team and office administrators will be pregnant by Temba," she warned.

Mutami also raised concerns about the implications of Mliswa's potential presidency for ZIFA's reputation and partnerships. She questioned how foreign embassies and stakeholders could engage productively with Mliswa, citing his personal controversies as a liability.

"You will make it harder for other stakeholders and foreign embassies who genuinely want to assist the football fraternity by having dodgy characters like Temba Mliswa as your President."

Mliswa, a former parliamentarian and fitness enthusiast, is known for his outspoken personality and history of contentious relationships. Reports indicate that he has fathered more than 12 children with various women, and his public breakup with Mutami played out on social media, further fueling public scrutiny.

As the ZIFA elections approach, Mutami's public denouncement adds a controversial twist to Mliswa's campaign, potentially influencing the decision-making of football stakeholders.

ZIFA officials have not yet commented on Mutami's statements. However, with allegations of mismanagement and corruption clouding the association in recent years, the choice of leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of Zimbabwean football.