Harare, Zimbabwe | Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) Chairman Twine Phiri has emerged as the strongest contender for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidency ahead of the election scheduled for January 25, 2025.
Phiri’s extensive experience in football administration, coupled with a track record of success, positions him as the frontrunner among other candidates, many of whom are newcomers to football governance. Analysts have highlighted his achievements in securing corporate sponsorships and winning trophies, making him a standout candidate.
Phiri took over Caps United FC in 2000 from pharmaceutical giant Caps Holdings. Under his stewardship, the club experienced a period of sustained success, both on and off the pitch. His ability to attract corporate sponsorship and secure silverware for the team earned him widespread acclaim.
Some of Phiri’s notable achievements include:
- 2011: Secured the return of the Castle Lager Cup after the beverage company had severed ties with Zimbabwean soccer in 1997.
- 2011: Brought in the NetOne Cup sponsorship.
- 2012: Introduced the Mbada Diamonds Cup and the Bank ABC Super Cup.
- 2013: Brought on board the Chibuku Cup.
- 2014: Secured sponsorship for the Charity Shield Cup.
As PSL chairman, Phiri also successfully lured major corporate sponsors, solidifying his reputation as a capable administrator with a vision for football development.
Among the other candidates, Nqobile Magwizi has been mentioned as a potential challenger. However, analysts believe he lacks the depth of experience Phiri possesses. Magwizi has ties to Sakunda Holdings and its owner, Kuda Tagwirei, but little is known about his football administration credentials beyond his role as a director at Banket United FC.
Magwizi has also claimed credit for securing Sakunda Holdings’ sponsorship of Dynamos and Highlanders, as well as funding for bucket seats at the National Sports Stadium. Yet, his limited track record in football governance is a significant disadvantage when compared to Phiri.
Other candidates in the race include:
- Martin Kweza: Known for his work in the Northern Region Soccer League, where he successfully secured sponsorships that spurred development in the region.
- Philemon Machana: A former ZIFA board member for finance and a team owner in the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League. Machana’s experience, however, is primarily financial rather than administrative.
- Marshall Gore: Respected for his clean record and passion for the game, Gore has been instrumental in persuading UK-based players to represent Zimbabwe. He also founded Team Zimbabwe UK.
- Makwinji Soma-Phiri: A former player for Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC, Soma-Phiri lacks documented experience in football administration but hopes his playing career will resonate with voters.
Historically, ZIFA elections have been marred by allegations of vote-buying and external influence. Previous ZIFA presidents such as Trevor Carelse-Juul, Leo Mugabe, Rafik Khan, Cuthbert Dube, and Phillip Chiyangwa all came from wealthy backgrounds and were accused of leveraging their financial resources to secure the presidency.
However, analysts argue that the current ZIFA Congress is prioritizing football expertise and experience over personal wealth. There is growing consensus that Zimbabwean football requires a seasoned administrator capable of restoring corporate confidence and sponsorship rather than a “Mbinga” (wealthy individual) with limited understanding of the game.
As the campaign period intensifies, the critical question remains: What kind of leader does Zimbabwean football need at this juncture?
- Experience vs. Wealth: While financial backing is important, Phiri’s proven ability to attract corporate sponsorships and navigate the complexities of football governance sets him apart. His history of rebuilding relationships with sponsors is a crucial asset for the future of the sport.
- Integrity and Independence: The ZIFA Congress must resist external pressure and ensure the election process is free, fair, and transparent. The focus should remain on electing a leader capable of advancing Zimbabwean football rather than serving personal or external interests.
Twine Phiri’s combination of experience, achievements, and vision makes him the ideal candidate to lead ZIFA into a new era. With Zimbabwean football at a crossroads, the ZIFA Congress has an opportunity to make a decision that prioritizes the growth and stability of the game.
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