Zimbabwe’s football governing body, ZIFA, officially kicked off its election period last Friday with the release of nomination forms, marking the start of what is often referred to as the “mad season” in local football.
Aspiring candidates quickly mobilized to secure endorsements from members, but the first day of the nomination court was marred by controversy.
A significant twist emerged as Northern Region Soccer League (NRSL) chairman Martin Kweza’s bid for the ZIFA presidency came under legal scrutiny.
A High Court application filed in Harare seeks to challenge Kweza’s legitimacy as NRSL chairman, potentially derailing his presidential aspirations.
The application was brought forward by Maxwell Mabuto, a self-described soccer fan and Northern Region resident, who argues that Kweza’s chairmanship is invalid.
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Mabuto asserts that Kweza was improperly installed as NRSL chairman following the death of then-incumbent Willard Manyengavana in August 2019.
In his court filing, Mabuto claims that ZIFA, as the sport’s governing body, should not have accepted Kweza’s leadership of the NRSL.
“I desire that the order and rule of law prevail in the administration of football in the said area, and I am aggrieved by how the first respondent (Kweza) has ascended to the office of the second respondent (NRSL), which I consider to be unlawful and invalid,” Mabuto stated.
Mabuto’s case centers on alleged violations of ZIFA statutes during Kweza’s appointment. He argues that the NRSL failed to adhere to ZIFA’s regulations, which govern the operations of all football entities in Zimbabwe.
“ZIFA’s statutes prevail over the operations and activities of the second respondent (NRSL) and other bodies affiliated to it,” Mabuto asserted.
According to Mabuto, Kweza’s elevation to the role of chairman lacked procedural legitimacy, rendering it a nullity.
He emphasizes that ZIFA and its affiliated bodies must comply with the principles and statutes outlined by FIFA, CAF, and COSAFA, the sport’s regional and global governing organizations.
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