The transformation of ZIFA into a professional, united, and thriving football institution seems closer than ever, as candidates vying for the presidency outline their visions ahead of the January 25, 2025 elections.
The race to succeed Felton Kamambo has garnered widespread interest, with the campaigning phase expected to intensify after the New Year holidays. The final list of eligible candidates, released on December 23 by the Normalisation Committee, has sparked anticipation across Zimbabwe’s football community.
Six candidates—Marshall Gore, Martin Kweza, Twine Phiri, Makwinji Phiri, Nqobile Magwizi, and Philemon Machana—advanced after passing the ethics and integrity eligibility test. High-profile aspirants Benjani Mwaruwari, Temba Mliswa, Walter Magaya, and Farai Jere, however, were eliminated from the race.
A Vision for Transformation
Each of the six candidates has expressed optimism about ZIFA’s future, signaling a collective desire to address the challenges plaguing Zimbabwean football.
Nqobile Magwizi has emphasized corporate governance as the foundation of a successful ZIFA. In his public statements and a recent ZTN Prime interview, Magwizi called for clarity in roles between board members and the secretariat, coupled with training to meet global standards. He also stressed the need for unity among stakeholders to eliminate toxicity in local football.
“Why toxicity prevails is because people don’t have the desire to come together and engage on things they have different views on,” said Magwizi. “We need to create a space where all stakeholders collaborate on a shared vision for Zimbabwean football.”
Magwizi also outlined plans to leverage his business experience and international partnerships to revitalize ZIFA’s operations and elevate Zimbabwean football to regional prominence.
Calls for Unity and Accountability
Philemon Machana, a veteran of two previous ZIFA executive committees, highlighted unity as the cornerstone of his campaign. He pledged to bring stakeholders together and learn from past missteps to build a cohesive and transparent organization.
“The elephant in the room in our football is nothing but a lack of unity,” Machana said. “Unifying all stakeholders is my major task, and that is my message during this election.”
Machana expressed relief at clearing the integrity test, stating it validated his commitment to good governance, accountability, and transparency. He also promised to include those who were eliminated from the race in his plans for ZIFA’s future, acknowledging their shared passion for football.
Collaborative Solutions
Twine Phiri, former CAPS United owner, echoed the need for unity, describing it as essential for resolving ZIFA’s longstanding issues. “We must commit to fostering unity, integrity, and progress within our football community,” he said.
Marshall Gore also called for collaboration, thanking stakeholders for their support and urging greater unity as the election date approaches.
Martin Kweza emphasized the importance of engaging ZIFA councillors and Congress members during his campaign, which he plans to ramp up after the holiday season. “We need to re-energize and engage the people who matter most,” Kweza said, expressing confidence in his vision for ZIFA.
A New Chapter for Zimbabwean Football
The stakes are high for the January 25 election, as the candidates offer competing visions for ZIFA’s future. Whether through fostering unity, promoting transparency, or building international partnerships, all six aspirants are committed to transforming the association into a model of professionalism and success.
With the campaign period set to intensify in the coming weeks, the excitement surrounding ZIFA’s next chapter continues to grow. The football community awaits the election with anticipation, hoping it marks the dawn of a new era for Zimbabwean football.
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