By Obert Sithole
The Zimbabwean football community was abuzz with excitement as yesterday marked the deadline for potential ZIFA Presidential candidates and aspiring ZIFA board members to submit their nomination papers. The list of individuals who reportedly submitted their papers is a who’s who of Zimbabwean football, with nine candidates vying for the top spot of ZIFA President.
The contenders for the presidency include Nqobile Magwizi, Prophet Walter Magaya, Phillimon Machana, Farai Jere, Marshall Gore, Martin Kweza, Benjani Mwaruwari, Twine Phiri, Themba Mliswa, and Makwinji Soma-Phiri.
For the position of Male Vice President, five candidates have thrown their hats into the ring: Dube Peter, Banda Gift, Ndebele Kennedy, Sibanda Omega, and James Takavada. The Female Vice President position has attracted six candidates: Loveness Mukura, Mavis Gumbo, Kapota Joyce, Patience Mutumwa, Col. Winnet Muropa, and Beaullah Msarah.
The Board Members position has seen a large number of candidates, with 30 individuals vying for a spot. Some notable names include Walter Musanhu, Gilbert Saika, Bhekimpilo Nyoni, Simba Ndoro, Francis Zimunya, Shariff Mussa, Xolisani Gwesela, Omega Sibanda, Tavengwa Hara, Cuthbert Chitima, Andrew Tapela, Kudzai Kadzombe, Thomas Marambanyika, Admore Chivero, Gaza Dube, Desmond Ali, Tizirayi Lupahla, Nicholas Munyonga, Tinashe Malunga, Davison Muchena, Masimba Chihowa, Derrick Matapura, Miriam Sibanda, Beaular Masara, Christine Ndou, and Lupahla Tizirayi Dube.
However, before the elections can take place, all candidates will have to undergo an eligibility test to ensure they meet the criteria set out in the ZIFA Constitution. The Adjudication Committee will sit on December 23rd then announce the names of the candidates who will have passed the eligibility test.
The elections are set to take place on January 25, 2025, and will be conducted under the watchful eyes of FIFA and CAF. The new ZIFA Constitution, which was adopted at a FIFA-supervised meeting, sets out clear criteria for executive committee members, including age, education, and residency requirements. With the elections just around the corner, the Zimbabwean football community is eagerly awaiting the outcome.
