Chivayo sparks vote buying storm as he pledges cars to ZIFA councillors

 

 

_– On one condition: they must vote Nqobile Magwizi for president_

 

_ZIFA Presidential aspirant Martin Kweza withdraws from the elections_

 

HARARE – Business tycoon Wicknell Chivayo has promised to buy the 78 ZIFA councillors voting today brand-new vehicles, provided they cast their ballots in favor of Nqobile Magwizi, as an election, once expected to usher in a new era, is fast becoming a dirty and manipulated contest.

 

At the same time, ZIFA Presidential aspirant Martin Kweza has withdrawn from the elections after delivering his withdrawal letter to the ZIFA Normalisation Committee chairman Lincoln Mutasa this morning.

 

Sources told _Kukurigo Sport_ that Kweza, who had gained support from some councillors, withdrew from the elections after being pressured by shadowy figures claiming to have been sent “by the system.”

 

These individuals, feared he could split the vote and insisted Kweza step aside to make way for the rise of a competing candidate, an insider said.

 

This comes as today’s ZIFA election, was seen as a chance for a fresh start for the Zimbabwe Football Association—still recovering from a one-year FIFA suspension that deprived thousands of footballers of the chance to showcase their talents.

 

All the while, Chivayo’s offer for Magwizi’s candidature has sparked an uproar in Zimbabwean football, with critics accusing him of attempting to buy the votes of councillors and determine the result of the election which sees Magwizi go head-to-head against Twine Phiri, Marshall Gore, Phillemon Machana and Makwinji Soma Phiri.

 

“Barely 24 hours from now, Zimbabwe’s football fraternity will stand on the brink of a MOMENTOUS OCCASION—the election of a new ZIFA President and Board,” Chivayo wrote. “This is no ordinary event, as it marks a CRITICAL JUNCTURE in the journey of our nation’s most beloved sport.”

 

Chivayo went on to stress the urgent need for reform within ZIFA, calling for a leader who can bring “visionary leadership, integrity, and professionalism that transcends past failures.” He said, “It is time to restore the GLORY OF ZIMBABWEAN FOOTBALL with visionary leadership, integrity, and professionalism that transcends past failures.” Chivayo praised Magwizi as the candidate who could bring this change, calling him a “RESPECTED businessman with considerable expertise spanning finance, marketing and sports administration.”

 

“If Nqobile Magwizi wins, I am committed to making BOLD CONTRIBUTIONS to support his VISION for football,” Chivayo said. “To begin with, he will immediately ‘GO AND SEE VICTOR’ and get himself a brand-new 2025 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 300 SERIES worth USD 200,000—a car befitting the status of a ZIFA President.”

 

He also pledged that every newly elected ZIFA councillor would receive a brand-new vehicle once Magwizi assumes office. “After Mr. Magwizi takes office, with his authority, I will also motivate the newly elected Board members and all Councillors countrywide, each of them will also receive brand-new vehicles.”

 

In addition to the cars, Chivayo pledged a US$10 million sponsorship to ZIFA’s football development efforts, earmarked for grassroots development, operational excellence, and the sport’s commercialization. “I will set aside a budget of USD 10 MILLION in cash to SPONSOR ZIFA and spearhead the revival of football administration in Zimbabwe,” Chivayo announced. However, he clarified that the final details of the sponsorship would only be disclosed after Magwizi’s victory and the inauguration of the new board.

 

“In 2015, I donated US$1 Million as a show of my FULL SUPPORT to ZIFA under the then leadership of my brother PHILIP CHIYANGWA. Today, I am ready to do so again, only that this donation will be TEN TIMES better,” Chivayo declared.

 

Walter Magaya, a prominent businessman and pastor with significant influence in Zimbabwe’s sports sphere, has also reluctantly backed Magwizi’s campaign after being pressured by “elders” and “powerful people” to back Magwizi, despite his own disqualification from the race in December.

 

“I can’t fight the system,” Magaya told ZIFA councillors on Friday night.

 

Despite the prevailing gloom, football supporters remain hopeful, believing the councillors will make the right choice. They point to the tenure of Philip Chiyangwa, who disqualified all his opponents before Felton Kamambo made a late surge to appear on the ballot.

 

“Despite Kamambo having only days to prepare and facing a financial giant like Chiyangwa, the councillors shocked everyone by voting for Kamambo. They vote for the candidate who is relatable, protects their interests, and is truly for football,” said Harare-based Warriors’ supporter, Tendai Savanhu.