Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUDGING by the calibre and number of interested candidates, January’s ZIFA elections will certainly be the most intriguing since 1980, when Moroni Mushambadope became the first ZIFA president.
The ZIFA Assembly will elect the ZIFA president, his two deputies (one woman) and six board members on January 25, 2025.
Nomination closed yesterday with some big football names, including Simba Bhora owner Simba “Buju” Ndoro and Brighton “Panjap” Ushendibaba, a director at the Premier Soccer League champions, confirming having filed their papers.
“I filed my papers; it’s confirmed,” Ushendibaba told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
Ndoro said, “It’s true, I have joined the race.”
“Let’s see how it goes.”
They are both targeting positions on the next ZIFA Executive Committee.
A source close to the Electoral Committee revealed that Prophet Walter Magaya had filed his papers before the deadline.
Magaya told the media in Kwekwe on Tuesday that he was yet to decide if he would throw his hat into the ring.
The clergyman has been one of the frontrunners for the ZIFA presidency, based on his thrust on football infrastructure development.
Also in the race for the ZIFA presidency is Nqobile Magwizi, a corporate guru who is championing the renovation of the National Sports Stadium.
The Banket United board member is also a representative of Sakunda Holdings, the energy giant that has been fuelling local football giants Dynamos and Highlanders since 2021.
Former Premier Soccer League chairman and CAPS United president, Twin Phiri is also among those angling for the ZIFA presidency.
Current PSL chairman and owner of Makepekepe, Farai Jere, is also in the race, and he revealed last week that he would be stepping down from his post to concentrate on the ZIFA elections.
Politician Temba Mliswa, former ZIFA Board member Philemon Machana, and Marshall Gore have also expressed interest in the ZIFA presidential post.
Northern Region chairman Martin Kweza is also among those contesting for local football’s hottest seat.
Gift Banda, who is eyeing another stint as vice president, filed his papers at the ZIFA offices in Harare yesterday.
The former Njube Sundowns owner, who became the youngest PSL club owner at 27, could compete against Omega Sibanda, former Highlanders chairman Peter Dube, and 1984 Soccer Star of the Year, James Takavada.
Premier Soccer League chief executive officer, Kennedy Ndebele, also filed his papers for the vice president post last week.
“Yes, I have filed my papers, but all will be clear after December 23,” Ndebele said.
Although the ZIFA Electoral Committee was not willing to release the full list of nominations, the cast will be clear on December 23, after an eligibility test by the ZIFA Ethics Committee.
However, the huge number of those interested in places on the next ZIFA Board has made this election one of the most intriguing since 1980.
According to sources at ZIFA, over 30 candidates have filed their papers for the ZIFA Board members’ race.
Among those interested are former Dynamos vice chairman Vincent Chawonza, Northern Region secretary Sweeney Mushonga, former Gunners owner Cuthbert Chitima, and football development coach Bheki Nyoni.
Chicken Inn secretary, Tavengwa Hara; Chegutu Pirates chairman Admore Chivero; Andrew Tapela; Walter Musanhu; Lewis Muzhara; and Black Rhinos chairman Edward Mutukwa also filed their papers.
Zimpapers Sports Hub also understands that former footballers Harlington Shereni and Makwinji Soma Phiri are also angling for a ZIFA Board member post.
1996 Soccer Star of the Year, Alois Bunjira; ex-ZIFA Board member Ben Gwarada; Beaular Musara; Tafadzwa Benza; Tinashe Malunga; Masimba Chihohwa; Morgen Dube; Davison Muchena; and former ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela are also interested.
According to the new ZIFA Constitution, one of the two vice presidents has to be a woman, and there are about eight ladies vying for that post.
Former women’s football leader Mavis Gumbo, Herentals Queens chairperson Loveness Mukura, and former Ngezi Platinum Stars chief executive officer Nyasha Kadenge have expressed interest.
Joyce Kapota, who has gathered a lot of football management expertise in recent years, is also one of those targeting the vice presidency.
Patience Mutumwa, Colonel Winnet Muropa, Sabelo Maphosa, and veteran sports administrator Anna Mguni are said to have also filed their papers.
