Here is the weekly roundup of stories that are making headlines in the football circles. The Zifa Elections which are coming in few months have been marred by allegations of manipulations by certain individuals who are vying for the top spot.

Walter Magaya and Gift Banda Accused of ZIFA Manipulation Attempts

Walter Magaya, a presidential candidate for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), and former ZIFA vice president Gift Banda are under scrutiny for allegedly attempting to manipulate their way into leadership positions within the organization.

A report from Nehanda Radio claims that the duo organized a clandestine meeting on October 10, 2024, at Number 10 Park Road in Suburbs, Bulawayo, where they met with ZIFA councillors from the Southern Region. The purpose of the meeting was reportedly to persuade the councillors to amend the constitution, specifically to remove the requirement for candidates to have five O-level qualifications—a credential that Magaya does not possess.

According to an insider, Magaya and Banda requested the councillors to vote against the clause that mandates the five O-levels, asserting that it could hinder their chances in the upcoming ZIFA elections scheduled for January. “Magaya aims to become President, while Gift Banda is targeting the Vice President role,” the source revealed.

Attendees of the meeting included Magaya, his manager Wellington Mpandare, Banda, Eddi Ndodana Masuku (Chairman of Area Zone South Region), and Francis Ntutha (Bulawayo Provincial Chairman). Other notable figures present were provincial chairpersons from Matabeleland North and South, as well as various board members from the Southern Region.

Magaya, who is also a self-proclaimed prophet and founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, has faced previous allegations of rape and fraud. Banda, on the other hand, has a history of involvement in match-fixing scandals and has been dismissed from ZIFA on two occasions.

Fresh Allegations of Bribery Rock MWOS FC Amidst Promotion Battle

In a developing controversy, MWOS FC faces serious accusations of bribing players from Norton Community ahead of their recent match against Scottland, which ended in a staggering 7-0 defeat for Norton. Reports suggest that approximately $50 was offered to each Norton player to influence the outcome of the game.

Norton Community, already under scrutiny for suspected match-fixing, has taken the drastic step of suspending its technical staff and players. The club is also facing allegations of fielding unregistered players, a violation of ZIFA Standing Rules, which has further compounded their troubles.

This scandal unfolds in the context of an intense race for promotion to the Premier Soccer League, with both MWOS FC and Scottland FC competing fiercely for the top position. Currently, MWOS FC stands at 72 points, tied with Scottland, who recently earned three points from an abandoned match against Karoi United.

Scottland Fc Fingered in Match Fixing Scandal in the Northern Region League

A bombshell match-fixing scandal has erupted in Zimbabwean football, tarnishing Scottland FC’s resounding 7-nil victory over Norton Community on October 11, 2024, at Rufaro Stadium.

Eyewitnesses and disturbing video footage reveal shocking evidence of collusion. Norton Community players appeared to deliberately sabotage their own game, sparking widespread outrage.

One damning video shows a Norton Community player brazenly moving away from the ball, raising questions about the team’s integrity.

In response to the public backlash, Norton Community has suspended five officials pending further investigation.

Meanwhile Scottland Fc are in the title chasing race with MWOS Fc who are ahead of them with three points.

From Kaizer Chiefs to Yadah: The Reasons Behind Khama Billiat’s Exit from Kaizer Chiefs

Khama Billiat, a forward for Yadah and the Zimbabwe national team, has finally revealed the reasons for his exit from Kaizer Chiefs last year.

Billiat opted not to renew his contract with the Chiefs when it expired in June 2023, even though the club expressed interest in keeping him. After spending seven months without a team, he returned to Zimbabwe to join Yadah, a side in the Castle Lager Premiership.

In an interview on the MhlengiSports YouTube Channel, Billiat discussed his decision to leave Kaizer Chiefs. He explained, “Negotiations can go in different directions, and I felt it was time to return home. They wanted me to stay, but I wasn’t mentally prepared for another season.

Trey Nyoni Secures First Professional Contract with Liverpool

Trey Nyoni has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool FC in the English Premier League.

The 17-year-old midfielder, born in the UK to Zimbabwean parents, is eligible to represent the Zimbabwe national teams.

Liverpool announced the signing, stating:

“Trey Nyoni has signed his first professional contract with Liverpool FC.”

Nyoni joined Liverpool from Leicester City in September 2023. He began his journey with the club in Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s U18 side, where he quickly made an impact by scoring a late winner in his home debut during a youth Merseyside derby.