Zimbabwe’s Youth minister stirs controversy ahead of ZIFA Elections

 

 

_■ Twine Phiri seeks last-minute Magaya endorsement_

 

_■ Insiders say President Mnangagwa has no horse in the race. They allege that those claiming the President has a preferred candidate are leveraging their proximity to him to orchestrate an intimidation campaign, pushing their own choice while invoking Mnangagwa’s name to gain legitimacy. Councillors have been urged to vote freely for the candidate they believe is best suited for the role._

 

HARARE – Youth minister Tino Machakaire on Friday waded into the ZIFA presidential race, sparking backlash with a tweet widely seen as endorsing candidate Nqobile Magwizi on the eve of the pivotal election.

 

“With the ZIFA elections coming up, I just want to acknowledge all the incredible work you’ve done with local teams,” Machakaire wrote, addressing Magwizi. “I believe you have the vision and heart to make a real difference, and I’m praying the Lord gives you wisdom, strength, and clarity as you take on this important role.”

 

The post drew sharp criticism for breaching the expected neutrality of government officials, with many accusing Machakaire of attempting to influence the election outcome. The 78 ZIFA councillors voting today are already under scrutiny amid allegations of financial incentives and external pressure shaping the race.

 

Magwizi, whose already under strain from public mistrust on allegations that they are powerful forces pulling his strings, appears to have secured another endorsement from PHD Ministries leader Walter Magaya. Speaking Friday night at Yadah Hotel, Magaya revealed he had been pressured by “elders” and “powerful people” to back Magwizi, despite his own disqualification from the race in December.

 

“They told me there is a preferred candidate within the system — Magwizi,” Magaya told councillors. “They said my chances of winning were ‘minus one.’” While Magaya insisted councillors were free to vote as they wished, his endorsement left little doubt about where his allegiance lies.

 

Sources who spoke to _Kukurigo Sport_ have dismissed claims that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has a preferred candidate in today’s ZIFA presidential election, emphasizing his commitment to a fair and transparent process.

 

The sources noted that some individuals, claiming proximity to Mnangagwa, are allegedly running an intimidation campaign to promote their own preferred candidate while invoking the President’s name to legitimize their actions.

 

“There is no law preventing the President from meeting with councillors, whether privately or publicly. However, he has chosen not to, in order to maintain a free and fair election process. I encourage councillors to vote independently and choose the candidate they believe is truly best for the role,” said a well-placed source.

 

Meanwhile, Twine Phiri, one of the ZIFA presidential challengers, made a last-ditch attempt to sway Magaya’s support. Represented by his son and his communications manager Paddington Japajapa, Phiri’s camp visited Magaya on Friday night but left without a clear endorsement after a brief and unproductive conversation.

 

“We are here on a courtesy call,” Japajapa told Magaya before their brief exchange was overshadowed by the crowd of ZIFA councillors and stakeholders vying for the preacher’s attention.

 

The ZIFA elective congress comes at a critical juncture for Zimbabwean football, with the association desperate for competent leadership to steer the sport out of its current crisis. However, the election has been overshadowed by reports of bribes, political interference, and allegations that some candidates are being propped up by shadowy operatives.

 

The councillors voting today carry the hopes of millions of Zimbabweans who are counting on them to rise above intimidation and incentives to choose a leader capable of restoring the glory of local football.