Ex-footballers speak on Zifa election

Langton Nyakwenda

AMID the mudslinging that has characterised the run-up to Zifa elections, former footballers have added their voice, demanding that the next president should be able to restore Zimbabwe’s football pride.

They believe the January poll is a chance for Zimbabwe to reset its football system to allow proper development of the game from the grassroots.

Former national team captain, Moses “Bambo” Chunga, ignited an interesting debate on social media when he poured his heart on his Facebook page.

“The incoming Zifa president must be a person of integrity,” declared Chunga.

Zifa Assembly members will choose the Zifa president, two deputies and six board members on January 25, 2025.

The Zifa Ethics and Integrity Committee is currently vetting candidates who submitted their nominations and will reveal successful candidates on Monday.

Some of the candidates vying for the Zifa presidency, including Walter Magaya, Martin Kweza and Philemon Machana, have had their eligibility questioned.

“They (football leaders) must be truthful and transparent in words and action,” added Chunga. 

“The Zifa president has the whole footballing nation on their shoulders, the players, the coaches, the fans, administrators, the sponsors, Caf, Fifa, so all eyes will be on them.

“This means that every decision made will be scrutinized by every stakeholder.

“They must be great decision makers, doing so in openness and clarity.

“They must always stand for what is right for football all the time, even it means burning some bridges,” said Chunga.

Several candidates including Benjani Mwaruwari, Temba Mliswa, Twine Phiri, Farai Jere, Marshall Gore and Nqobile Magwizi submitted nominations for the presidency.

Kadoma-based legend, former national team goalkeeper Raphael Phiri, expressed his desire to have a former footballer lead the national game.

“I would love to have a president who understands how football is run, one who has enough administrative qualities and has also played football,” said the former national team goalie.

The former Eiffel Flats coach is advocating for a Zifa president who will restore trust and “fosters teamwork and unity” within the football fraternity.

“One has to have a clear vision and direction for the football association.

“Someone who inspires and motivates others to work towards a common goal,” added Phiri.

Just like Chunga, Phiri also thinks integrity should be a key quality for the next Zifa president.

“A person with integrity and is ethical builds trust and credibility,” added the former Rio Tinto keeper.

While he is still shocked by the decision to block candidates without five O-levels from contesting for the Zifa presidency, former Caps United defender Charles Manjera, expects a leader who will revive junior football development.

The new Zifa Statutes bar those without five O-levels, or equivalent, from contesting for the top post.

“That was a big joke,” Manjera said.

“We also have people with five O-levels but have nothing football in their heads.

“Nonetheless, I am expecting someone who has a rich understanding of current football trends.

“Someone who will revive junior football, which is the basis of any football powerhouse,” said Manjera, who won the PSL championship with Caps United in 2005.

Nesbert Gwede, a highly rated dribbler during his days at Ziscosteel in the early 1990s, is worried about how the next Zifa president will handle Fifa grants.

The Zimbabwe Football Association, just like the other member associations, is entitled to annual Fifa grants believed to be in the region of US$15 million per year from next year.

“We want a man who makes sure money from Fifa goes to where it is supposed to go,” says Gwede.

“I hear about futsal and beach soccer in Zimbabwe but you don’t get to see people play, but there is money that comes from Fifa for such.

“Maybe they play in Mars,” joked Gwede.

The Kwekwe-bred Gwede is against the idea of politicians trying their hand in football administration.

“Unfortunately, that is the situation we are in,” said Gwede.

“I wouldn’t want someone who is politically affiliated.

“We want a person who is honest and has a passion to uplift the game and not to line his or her pockets.

“But that is not to say                                     a Zifa president has to be rich, no.

“Back in the day we had so many junior tournaments, juniors used to curtain raise for top-flight matches but that is no longer the case.”