ZIFA Aspirants’ Eligibility Questioned by Public

Makhosethu Ndlovu | 19 December 2024

The legitimacy of three Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) election aspirants has been questioned by members of the public. The candidates—Yadah Stars FC President Prophet Walter Magaya, Northern Region Soccer League Chairman Martin Kweza, and former ZIFA board member Philemon Machana face challenges over their eligibility.

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee received letters on Monday raising concerns about Magaya’s suitability. MJ Chigwendere cited FIFA’s licensing rule violations, which led to Yadah Stars FC being barred from registering international players, as well as a fine Magaya received for falsely advertising medical treatments claiming to cure HIV/AIDS.

Terrance Pachirere questioned Kweza’s fitness for leadership, accusing him of criminal activity, including workplace abuse of office and fraud during his tenure at the Zimbabwe National Water Authority.

K. Mugadzaweta accused Machana of financial misconduct, including misappropriation of FIFA Covid-19 relief funds, fraud, and failure to disclose financial interests.