Looking At The Eligible Candidates As Zifa Presidential Race Gathers Momentum
With the race for the presidency of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) gaining momentum we take a look at the eligible candidates vying for the beautiful game’s top position, just who are the candidates who made it through the final assessment phase to lead the association over the next four years.
A strict eligibility test by the Zifa Normalisation Committee saw some of the high-profile candidates aspiring to lead the game falling on the wayside, leaving six candidates in contention for the association’s hot seat, and these are veteran football administrator Martin Kweza, former Dynamos and Highlanders forward Makwinji Soma-Phiri, ex-ZIFA board member Philemon Machana, former Premier Soccer League chairman Twine Phiri, UK-based football administrator Marshall Gore, and business executive Nqobile Magwizi.
Other candidates who had submitted their bids including Former Warriors trainer and legislator Themba Mliswa, outgoing premier soccer league chair Farai Jere, Clergyman, and Yadah F.C owner Walter Magaya, together with ex-national team captain Benjani Mwaruwari were disqualified for failing to meet the electoral committee’s new requirements that included “five Ordinary level results”, “no criminal record” and the candidate “must have been resident in Zimbabwe for the past two years.”
So who are these eligible contenders, and what can we expect from them?
Twine Phiri
Phiri an avid grassroots football supporter is recognized for his efforts in acquiring the CAPS United franchise from CAPS Pharmaceuticals in 1999 and transforming the Green Machine into a huge force in the early 2000s winning the league title in 2004 and 2005 before things began to deteriorate in 2015 because of financial difficulties. His experience as a former Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League chairman where his huge highlight was able to secure sponsorship deals for the league including clinching a deal with Supersport to broadcast the league matches across the continent, positions him as a strong candidate for the ZIFA presidency.
Marshall Gore
Marshall Gore, a prominent figure in the United Kingdom’s football scene, returned home to set his sights on transforming the landscape of Zimbabwean football as he targets the presidency of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA). His mission is to foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and excellence within Zimbabwean football, engaging stakeholders, and inspiring a new generation of leaders and players.
Gore’s journey into football administration spans over a decade, marked by his dedicated efforts through various organizations such as Team Zimbabwe, Bhora Africa, and the African Football Association. His commitment to nurturing the sport within the Diaspora speaks volumes about his passion and expertise in football management.
Philemon Machana
The former ZIFA board member of finance during the unpopular Felton Kamambo’s tenure, Machana is also an Entrepreneur, administrator, and owner of Conduit Soccer Academy, is still in contention for the presidency after surviving allegations opposing his candidacy. Machana began his football administration journey nine years ago after he was surprisingly elected as a ZIFA board member during Philip Chiyangwa’s tenure. He intends to use his experience to improve Zimbabwe Football.
Nqobile Magwizi
Nqobile Magwizi Sakunda Holdings’ project manager and benefactor of Dynamos and Highlanders sponsorship deals pioneered the renovations of the National Sports Stadium to meet FIFA requirements highlighting his passion for the development of local football. Magwizi is also a renowned entrepreneur, and business leader, who aims at commercializing football and bringing corporate sponsorship, corporate structure, and corporate governance into our game.
His current role as a board member of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has also given him valuable insight into the world of sports administration.
Martin Kweza
Northern Region Division One Soccer League chairperson Martin Kweza is credited as the visionary behind the transformation of Northern Region Division 1 into a professional football powerhouse
Kweza who is also employed by Zinwa survived criminal allegations of abuse of office at his workplace and is ready to transform the association for the better.
Kweza has been in the game for a long period and is credited for turning Zinwa F.C. from an amateur club to a professional team before the franchise was sold to Harare City.
Makwinji Soma-Phiri
Soma-Phiri is one of the most talented strikers to have played for both top teams Dynamos and Highlanders football clubs.
Soma-Phiri also a property maintenance manager in Harare had a decorated playing career with both local giants Dynamos and Highlanders. A celebrated footballer who lifted over a dozen trophies during his career, including league championships and the ZIFA Cup, Soma-Phiri emphasized his eagerness to contribute to the growth of Zimbabwean football.
ZIFA is currently under the guidance of a Normalisation Committee established by FIFA and is due to end its term after January 25 2025 when the newly elected ZIFA board takes over.
Vice President Candidates:
- Mavis Gumbo
- Patience Mutumwa
- Winnet Murota
- Joyce R. Kapota
- Loveness Mukura
- Kennedy Ndebele
- Omega Sibanda
- Peter Dube
- Omega Sibanda
- Francis Nyamutsamba
- Simbarashe J. Takava
Ordinary Members:
- Gilbert Saika
- Sharif Mussa Umerjee
- Thomas Marambanyika
- Nicholas Munyonga
- Tavengwa Hara
- Xolisani Gwesela
- Bhekhimpilo Nyoni
- Vincent Chawonza
- Sween Mushonga
- Lewis Muzhara
- Morden Ngwenya
- Jerrymike Gumbo
- Alice Zeure
- Alois Bunjira
- Morgen Dube
- Sabela Maposa
- Edward Mutukwa
- Tizirayi Luphahla
- Sibekikwe Ndlovu
- Tafadzwa Benza
- Cecilia Gambwe
- Kudzai Kadzombe
- Sunday Chidzambwa
- Walter Musanhu
- Desmond Ali
- Simbarashe Ndoro
- Makwinje Phiri
- Francis Nyamutsamba
- Davison Muchena
- Brighton Ushendibaba
- Edmore Chivero
- Terence T. Malunga
- Harlington Shereni
- Cuthbert C. Chitima
- Norman Matemera
- Beaullar Msarah
