Turning Point For Zimbabwe Football As Nqobile Magwizi Wins ZIFA Presidency
By Desire Tshuma
Nqobile Magwizi is the newly elected president of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), winning with a landslide victory of 61 out of 76 votes, which translates to 80% of the total votes cast. This decisive win demonstrates strong support for his leadership within the football community.
Magwizi’s campaign focused on revitalizing Zimbabwean football, ensuring transparency, and creating opportunities for grassroots development.
Other contestants were Phelimon Machana who got 6 votes, Twine Phiri 4, Marshall Gore 1 vote and Makwinji Soma Phiri who didn’t receive any vote .
Newly:elected leaders of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)
– *President*: Nqobile Magwizi, a Harare businessman and football administrator, who won with a landslide victory of 61 votes .
– *Vice Presidents*:
– Kenny Ndebele, a veteran administrator and former Premier Soccer League CEO.
– Loveness Mukura .
The board members include:
– *Ordinary Members*:
– Professor Thomas Marambanyika
– Davidson Muchena
– Tafadzwa Benza
– Kudzai Kadzombe
– Alice Zewure
On his speech after clinching the presidency, Magwizi said: “I will focus on revitalizing Zimbabwean football, ensuring transparency, and creating opportunities for grassroots development.”
He has also been instrumental in securing sponsorship for top Zimbabwean clubs, Dynamos and Highlanders, from Sakunda Holdings.
Magwizi’s election marks a significant turning point for Zimbabwean football, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including a two-year FIFA ban. The new board is expected to bring about much-needed reforms and improvements to the sport .
However, according to some football analysts, the ZIFA elections have been marred by controversy, with allegations of bribery, political interference and external pressure shaping the outcome. The Youth minister, Tino Machakaire, sparked a backlash with a tweet endorsing Magwizi, which many saw as an attempt to influence the election.
Additionally, there were reports of financial incentives being offered to councillors, which raised concerns about the integrity of the process. The involvement of powerful figures, such as Walter Magaya, who endorsed Magwizi, also added to the controversy .
Despite these concerns, the ZIFA normalization committee had promised a free and fair election. However, the allegations of external influence and bribery cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the outcome. Ultimately, Magwizi emerged as the winner, but the controversy surrounding the election process raises questions about the true nature of the outcome.
