KEY POINTS
- ZIFA disqualified four candidates, including Benjani Mwaruwari, for failing eligibility criteria outlined in the 2024 ZIFA Statutes.
- Six candidates, including Marshall Gore and Twine Phiri, remain in contention for the ZIFA presidency.
- January 25 elections will determine ZIFA’s president, two vice presidents and six board members to lead football governance.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Normalisation Committee has announced the disqualification of four high-profile candidates from the upcoming presidential election. Among those excluded are Temba Mliswa, Farai Jere, Walter Magaya, and former national team captain Benjani Mwaruwari.
The quartet failed to meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the ZIFA Statutes, 2024. Their disqualification narrows the race to six remaining candidates vying for the top leadership role in Zimbabwean football. The election, set for January 25, 2024, will decide the president, two vice presidents and six ordinary board members for the association.
Final presidential candidates announced
According to Herald, the ZIFA Normalisation Committee, which also acts as the Electoral Committee under Article 85(9) of the association’s statutes, revealed the final list of successful presidential candidates: Marshall Gore, Philemon Machana, Nqobile Magwizi, Martin Kweza, Twine Phiri and Makwinji Soma-Phiri.
Comprehensive election roster
In addition to the six presidential hopefuls, ZIFA confirmed the names of 10 candidates approved to run for the two vice-presidency positions and 36 candidates for the six ordinary board member roles.
This election marks a critical moment in the future of Zimbabwean football governance, as the new leadership will inherit the responsibility of addressing key issues, including financial sustainability, talent development, and infrastructure improvement.
ZIFA statement on eligibility
In a formal statement, ZIFA emphasized that the eligibility criteria were strictly applied to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. “The ZIFA Normalisation Committee, acting as the ZIFA Electoral Committee in accordance with Article 85(9), is pleased to announce the names of all the candidates who have met the eligibility criteria stipulated in the ZIFA Statutes, 2024,” the statement read.
The disqualification of prominent figures like Mliswa, Jere, Magaya, and Mwaruwari has sparked widespread discussion among football stakeholders, with some questioning the transparency of the selection process. However, ZIFA maintains that adherence to its statutes is non-negotiable to ensure fair and credible elections.
ZIFA elections signal football revitalization
As the January 25 election date approaches, attention will focus on the six remaining presidential candidates and their plans for revitalizing Zimbabwean football.
The incoming leadership will face the formidable task of rebuilding trust in ZIFA and charting a sustainable path forward for the sport.
The ZIFA elections are widely regarded as a turning point for the organization, with the football community hoping for renewed vision and decisive leadership to restore Zimbabwe’s standing in regional and international football.
