ZIFA Elections to Proceed Despite Appeals

9 January 2024

By Makhosethu Ndlovu

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee is proceeding with the executive committee elections, set for January 25, despite several disqualified candidates appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the High Court of Zimbabwe.

Walter Magaya and Temba Mliswa have filed High Court applications, while Benjani Mwaruwari and Gift Banda have taken their cases to CAS. The Normalisation Committee has expressed concerns over Magaya’s move but praised Mwaruwari for adhering to the proper channels.

The disqualified candidates, including Mwaruwari, Magaya, Farai Jere, Mliswa, Bernard Gwarada, and Banda, were removed from the election list due to a failure to meet the requirement of five O Levels or equivalent qualifications. ZIFA has acknowledged Magaya’s court application but has declined to release its details.

The association is committed to responding to Mwaruwari and Banda’s CAS applications within the required time frame, though the CAS process is often lengthy, meaning it could extend beyond the election date.

The election will proceed as planned, with candidates such as Martin Kweza, Twine Phiri, Marshall Gore, Philemon Machana, Makwinji Soma Phiri, and Nqobile Magwizi competing for the presidency. Banda will contest Omega Sibanda, Kennedy Ndebele, Peter Dube, Francis Nyamutsamba, and James Takavada for the vice-presidency.

As the election date approaches, uncertainty and challenges remain.