Story by Mthokozisi Dube
With 18 January 2025 just around the corner for the make-or-break Zimbabwe Football Association elections meant to usher in a new leadership, football stakeholders believe individuals with a traceable reference and a passion for the sport should take charge.
Zimbabwe has been under a Normalisation Committee for over a year after being re-admitted to international football by the world football governing body FIFA following a two-year suspension.
ZBC News went into the streets of Bulawayo to gather views from the custodians of the game.
“We have had a lot of names interested in becoming ZIFA president, but first, one has to know the duties of the association president. Football has suffered for a long time, and we need an individual with a passion for the sport, one who will lift the sport. We need an individual more connected to other associations such that we can benefit from those synergies,” said one.
“Whoever should take charge should have the right policies; football is a business which needs more grassroots support. We need a leader who is going to move us out of this stadium crisis,” said another.
A key affiliate of the Zimbabwe Football Association, the Heart Women’s Soccer League, is close to making a decision.
“As women’s football, we are yet to finalise our candidates, but on the presidium, it’s an open secret that we are behind Magaya. The reason being he is the one who gave value to women’s football,” noted Sizolwethu Dube, Heart Women Premier League Football Spokesperson.
Former legislator Temba Mliswa, Wangu Mazodze FC owner Dr Richard Mazodze, and United Kingdom-based Marshal Gore have openly announced that they are running for the top football office in the land.
Others like current Premier League boss Farai Jere and Northern Region champion Martin Kweza, among others, are still being touted as potential candidates.
