Farai Jere's O-Level certificate bears the name Farai Mutimbo

The ZIFA Electoral Committee, chaired by Lincoln Mutasa, has reaffirmed its commitment to adhering strictly to the rules and regulations set by the ZIFA Congress, as the field for the association's presidential race narrows following a rigorous vetting process.

Four high-profile candidates - Farai Jere, Walter Magaya, Themba Mliswa, and Benjani Mwaruwari - failed to meet the eligibility criteria after undergoing integrity checks conducted by the Ethics and Integrity Committee, led by former Harare Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda.

Mutasa emphasized that his committee is not creating new rules but is instead implementing those established by the ZIFA Congress. "We are trying to stick to the book," he said.

CAPS United owner Farai Jere was excluded from the race on educational grounds. Despite possessing O-Level and A-Level qualifications under his former surname, Mutimbo, his late submission of documentation confirming his name change to Jere disqualified him.

"I got the response this morning. ZIFA explained to me that I submitted my notice of name change late when the FIFA governance body had already concluded the vetting process," said Jere.

While expressing disappointment, Jere decided against appealing the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), a right enshrined in Article 85(9) of the ZIFA constitution.

"I am a leader, and I have to make decisions not just for myself. I want football to be the winner, not Jere," said Jere. "Zimbabwean football needs to heal and move forward to start afresh with new leadership, so I am allowing that to happen because football must come first."

Former national team captain Benjani Mwaruwari, through his legal team, expressed concern over the lack of formal communication regarding his disqualification.

"Our client is perturbed by the fact that he wasn't formally served with any letter stating the full reasons why your committee has … declared him not suitable to hold office as ZIFA president," read a letter addressed to the committee.

Themba Mliswa, a former Member of Parliament, has also hinted at challenging his exclusion.

Six candidates remain in the running for the presidency: business executive Nqobile Magwizi, Northern Region chairperson Martin Kweza, former ZIFA board member Philemon Machana, Team Zimbabwe UK CEO Marshal Gore, former PSL chairperson Twine Phiri, and former footballer Makwinji Phiri.

In addition to the presidency, other positions up for grabs on January 25 include two vice-presidential roles - one of which must be held by a woman - and six ordinary board member positions.

The vetting process, which aimed to ensure ethical and transparent leadership, underscores the ZIFA Electoral Committee's commitment to restoring credibility in Zimbabwean football governance.

With 30 days remaining until the elections, the race for ZIFA leadership is heating up, promising an intense contest for the future of Zimbabwean football.