The ZIFA Ethics and Integrity Committee, in collaboration with the Normalisation Committee (NC), is expected to reveal the list of candidates for positions on the ZIFA Board today, December 23.
These elections, scheduled for January 25, 2025, will signal the conclusion of the NC’s mandate and the transition to a newly elected board responsible for overseeing football governance in Zimbabwe.
ZIFA has been operating without a permanent board since April 23, 2022, when the Felton Kamambo-led executive was removed. Interim leadership was provided by Gift Banda until July 11, 2023, when FIFA appointed the NC, chaired by Lincoln Mutasa, to oversee ZIFA’s operations.
In July, FIFA extended the terms of three NC members: Lincoln Mutasa, legal professional Nyasha Samanyandwe, and women’s football advocate Rosemary Mugadza. Meanwhile, Cynthia Malaba, who oversaw financial management, completed her tenure after implementing critical structures and policies. Sikhumbuzo Ndebele also stepped down after filling the roles of technical director and head of coach education.
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The lead-up to the elections included a significant milestone on November 22, when an annual general meeting approved a new draft constitution. This document will guide the electoral process and requires that the president and male vice president hold at least O-level qualifications.
The nomination period for the elections ran from December 4 to December 11, with December 23 designated as the date for publishing the final list of candidates. These individuals underwent thorough integrity and ethics checks, including verification of qualifications and police clearances. After the announcement, candidates will begin their official campaigns, with final confirmations set for January 15, 2025.
Prominent figures vying for the presidency include Nqobile Magwizi, Benjani Mwaruwari, Farai Jere, Marshall Gore, Martin Kweza, Twine Phiri, Philemon Machana, Temba Mliswa, and Makwinji Soma-Phiri. Candidates for the vice presidency are Gift Banda, Peter Dube, Kennedy Ndebele, Omega Sibanda, and James Takavada.
The new constitution also introduces a female vice-president position, with potential contenders such as Loveness Mukura, Mavis Gumbo, Joyce Kapota, Patience Mutumwa, Winnet Muropa, and Beaullah Msara.