Temba Mliswa approaches courts

Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

TEMBA Mliswa, an aspiring Zifa president has challenged the Normalisation Committee’s electoral process through the High Court of Zimbabwe.

Mliswa’s decision comes after Benjani Mwaruwari launched an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Mliswa yesterday confirmed he has filed an appeal to the High Court of Zimbabwe.

“I have appealed and taken the necessary measures constitutionally and make sure everything goes accordingly. I have left the rest of the issues to my attorney,” said Mliswa.

Mliswa argues the Normalisation Committee’s decision to disqualify him was flawed, citing several irregularities.

“The Zifa Congress delegates who adopted the new constitution lacked the requisite authority and mandate,” reads part of his arguments.

Mliswa also questions the legitimacy of the new Zifa constitution, which was adopted in October 2024.

“The constitution was adopted by a body that lacked the authority to do so. As a result, the entire electoral process is flawed and must be nullified,” he argues. Furthermore, Mliswa argued that the Zifa

Normalisation Committee’s decision to disqualify him was based on a flawed interpretation of the eligibility criteria.

“I meet all the eligibility criteria to contest for the presidency, and the committee’s decision to disqualify me is therefore a nullity,” he further argues.

Mliswa also expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, citing allegations of bias and manipulation.

“The electoral process is not transparent or fair, and it is clear that some candidates are being unfairly disadvantaged,” Mliswa said. In his High Court application, Mliswa is seeking to nullify the new Zifa constitution and the electoral process, citing irregularities in the adoption of the constitution.

He is also seeking an order directing Zifa to restart the electoral process, ensuring that it is fair, transparent and in line with the governing laws and regulations of the association.

The new Zifa constitution, in Section 38 (7), demands that one ought to have a minimum of five O-level passes to contest for the association’s presidency or vice-presidency but it is not clear on an equivalent educational level being used as an alternative, as was the case when Mwaruwari submitted his Uefa A coaching certificate.

CAS has the power to annul Zifa’s decision or refer the case back to Lincoln Mutasa NC boss and company for a new decision.

CAS has written to Zifa and Fifa, notifying the two bodies of Mwaruwari’s appeal against his exclusion from the final list of candidates eligible to contest for the association’s presidency in the upcoming election.

The former Warriors and Manchester City striker was not on the aforementioned list, released by the NC on 23 December, ahead of the crucial election slated for 25 January.