Ex-Manchester City striker fails eligibility test for Zimbabwe FA presidency

Mwaruwari: Photo Credit: Manchester City Media.

Former Manchester United striker Benjani Mwaruwari has failed the eligibility test to compete for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidency in the forthcoming elections.

Ahead of the January 25 2025 elections, ZIFA Normalisation Committee, which is presiding over the elections, scrutinized all the nominated candidates and found that Mwaruwari does not qualify alongside Farai Jere, Temba Mliswa and Walter Magaya, who owns Yadah FC. The disqualified candidates have since indicated that they will appeal the decision.

With the four ruled out, the presidential race is now between Marshall Gore, Philemon Machana, Nqobile Magwizi, Martin Kweza, ex-Caps United chairman Twine Phiri, and Makwinje Phiri.

The vice-presidency has attracted Mavis Gumbo, Patience Mutumwa, Winnet Murota, women’s sports advocate Joyce R Kapota, Loveness Mukura, PSL CEO Kennedy Ndebele, Omega Sibanda, Peter Dube, Omega Sibanda, Francis Nyamutsamba, Simbarashe J Takava and Peter Dube.

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee acting as the ZIFA Electoral Committee in accordance with Article 85(9) is pleased to announce the names of all the candidates who have met the eligibility criteria stipulated in the ZIFA Statutes, 2024. The list of successful candidates is as follows:

Presidential Candidates:

Marshall Gore

Philemon Machana

Nqobile Magwizi

Martin Kweza

Twine Phiri

Makwinje Phiri

Vice President Candidates:

Mavis Gumbo

Patience Mutumwa

Winnet Murota

Joyce R Kapota

Loveness Mukura

Kennedy Ndebele

Omega Sibanda

Peter Dube

Kennedy Ndebele

Omega Sibanda

Francis Nyamutsamba

Simbarashe J Takava

Peter Dube

Ordinary Members:

Gilbert Saika

Sharif Mussa Umerjee

Thomas Marambanyika

Nicholas Munyonga

Tavengwa Hara

Xolisani Gwesela

Bhekhimpilo Nyoni

Vincent Chawonza

Sween Mushonga

Lewis Muzhara

Morden Ngwenya

Jerrymike Gumbo

Alice Zeure

Alois Bunjaira

Morgen Dube

Sabela Maposa

Edward Mutukwa

Tizirayi Luphahla

Sibekikwe Ndlovu

Tafadzwa Benza

Cecilia Gambwe

Kudzai Kadzombe

Sunday Chidzambwa

Walter Musanhu

Desmond Ali

Simbarashe Ndoro

Makwinje Phiri

Francis Nyamutsamba

Davison Muchena

Brighton Ushendibaba

Edmore Chivero

Terence T Malunga

Harlington Shereni

Cuthbert C Chitima

Norman Matemera

Beaullar Msarah