mbulelo smpofu
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
NQOBILE Magwizi, a top contender for the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) presidency, has dismissed objections to his nomination, citing his removal from the US sanctions list.
The objections, raised by T Muzanenhamo, centre around Magwizi’s alleged inclusion on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List.
However, Magwizi’s camp argues that he was officially removed from the SDN List in March 2024, via a US executive order.
Magwizi has addressed the matter directly with the integrity committee, confirming his removal from the list as per the Federal Register/Vol. 89, No. 46.
“I have been made aware of information circulating on social media alleging that an objection has been raised against my candidacy for ZIFA President,” Magwizi said. “While it is true that my name was once included on this list, I would like to confirm that I was officially removed from the SDN List as per the Federal Register/Vol. 89, No. 46,” wrote Magwizi.
Magwizi is one of several candidates vying for the Zifa presidency, including Marshall Gore, Temba Mliswa, Walter Magaya, Farai Jere, Twine Phiri, Philemon Machana and Benjani Mwaruwari.
The electoral committee is expected to announce the nominees for the posts of president, vice-presidents, and board members on December 23.
To be eligible for the presidency, candidates must meet specific requirements, including being at least 40 years old and possessing at least five Ordinary Level passes, including English Language.
Several candidates are vying for the two vice president posts, with one reserved for a woman. Former Ngezi Platinum Stars chief executive officer Nyasha Kadenge, former Zifa board member Mavis Gumbo, and Loveness Mukura are among those contesting for the post.
Other contenders include former ZIFA board vice-president Omega Sibanda and others like Gift Banda, Peter Dube, and Kennedy Ndebele.
Close to 40 candidates intend to fill the board members’ posts, including veteran football administrator Francis Zimunya, Chicken Inn secretary Tavengwa Hara and former Zifa spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela.
Other candidates for the board posts are :
Chris Mtungwazi, Sweeny Mushonga, Admore Chivero, Morgen Dube, former Harare deputy mayor Kudzai Kadzombe, Desmond Ali, Tizirayi Luphahla, former Warriors doctor Nicholas Munyonga, football team Gunners founder Cuthbert Chitima, Alois Bunjira, Masimba Chihowa, Sibekiwe Ndlovu, Cecilia Gambi, Makwinji Soma-Phiri, Harlington Shereni and Blessing Mpande, among others. — @innocentskizoe.
