Wenslus Murape
Langton Nyakwenda
IN eight days, the ZIFA Electoral Committee will release names of the candidates who will have passed the integrity test for elections.
Submission of nominations for various posts in the next ZIFA board, including the coveted ZIFA presidency, closed on Wednesday, with a huge number of people stampeding to have a shot.
While most candidates are yet to release their election manifestos, indications are that infrastructure development could be a key campaign tool.
Zimbabwe is facing a stadium crisis as the country does not have a CAF-certified ground.
The Warriors did not enjoy home advantage throughout the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but they still qualified.
Zimbabwe’s representatives in this year’s Africa interclub competitions, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos, also used foreign stadiums to host their games.
Ngezi used a stadium in Zambia, while DeMbare settled for one in Botswana.
Of the eight candidates vying for the ZIFA presidency, three have been pressing on the importance of infrastructure.
Walter Magaya, Nqobile Magwizi, Themba Mliswa, Twine Phiri, Farai Jere, Marshall Gore, Philemon Machana and Martin Kweza have thrown their hats into the ring.
Magaya was in Kwekwe last week where he updated journalists on progress of the Chahwanda Stadium project. The stadium, which will accommodate 10 000 fans, is the brainchild of Magaya and Kwekwe businessman Shepherd Chahwanda.
Magaya has also constructed a similar facility, the Heart Stadium, in Waterfalls, Harare.
On the other hand, Magwizi, who has been thrust by some as a huge favourite to win the poll, is championing the renovation of the National Sports Stadium.
Government have partnered Sakunda Holdings — where Magwizi is a representative — in the refurbishment of the giant facility.
At least 50 000 bucket seats were purchased in China and the first batch arrived in the capital two weeks ago.
In the same vein, Jere, who is stepping down as Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman, believes he has left a lasting impact on the top-flight league.
One of Jere’s key campaign tools is the fact that the PSL has managed to purchase a 1 400-hectare piece of land in Harare, where the league’s offices will be built.
“No PSL chairperson has ever achieved that in the history of the top-flight,” says Jere.
Some councillors who spoke to Zimpapers Sports Hub last week want a president who will prioritise infrastructure development.
“The country needs state-of-the-art football facilities for us to really develop the game,” said one councillor.
Fans are expecting a ZIFA president who will make sure Zimbabwe play their home games in the country.
Incoming Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association (ZNSSA) president Joseph Mutau added his voice.
“Infrastructure development is key; we need more stadiums in the different provinces that are capable of hosting international matches.
“It was sad that Zimbabwe did not enjoy home-ground advantage throughout the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers,” says Mutau.
The ZNSSA held a meeting in Highfield yesterday where they denounced splinter groups that usually emerge when the Warriors are travelling.
There has been confusion as to which supporters’ organisation is authentic, but Mutau reiterated that theirs was the “real” ZNSSA that was started by the late Eddie “Mboma” Nyatanga.
“Fans are a key stakeholder in this game and our voices should be heard.
“We are actually pushing for a fans’ representative to be included in the ZIFA Assembly,” he said.
Another councillor said he was expecting a seasoned football administrator as president.
This is an attribute possessed by the likes of Phiri, Jere and Kweza, who have led regions and the PSL, he added.
“We want a president with a passion for grassroots development; one who is a team player; a president who is able to unite all provinces and regions; and one who brings equity and not politics. Politicians have no space in football,” said the councillor.
daniel chigunwe
