Magwizi takes the lead

Runodada Witness

ZIFA Councillors have come out in full force to endorse Banket United FC Board Member Nqobile Magwizi, sending shockwaves through the football fraternity. Many insiders are now tipping Magwizi as the clear frontrunner in the upcoming elections.

Magwizi's campaign has gained unstoppable momentum, leaving his opponents scrambling to regain lost ground. As the football community waits with bated breath for the outcome of the elections, one thing is clear: Nqobile Magwizi has emerged as the candidate to beat.

"He is Sakunda Projects coordinator, he is at the centre of National Sports Stadium bucket seats project , he is a man on a mission and we are confident that he will deliver as the ZIFA President," said one of the Councillors.

Another Councillor from Women's football echoed similar sentiments, "We have seen what he has been doing in rural areas such as Gokwe and these things were not being done in front of cameras, the man is so passionate when it comes to football and as women we think he will give us a structure which will support the girl child in the football fraternity."

The ZIFA normalisation committee has set December 23 as the day they will announce the list of candidates that would have passed the eligibility test and will contest the January 25 polls. Nominations opened on November 22 and will close on December 11, after which vetting will begin.

At a recent press briefing, the normalisation committee promised a free and fair election, with nine posts up for grabs. The ZIFA councilors will elect the board president, two deputies (at least one of whom should be a woman), and six other board members. They will be joined on the board by the Premier Soccer League chairman and the women's football boss.

"We promise that this is going to be a free, fair, and credible election," said Nyasha Sanyamandwe of the normalisation committee. "Following the opening of nominations, we intend to receive them until December 11 and will do the vetting. Then, on December 23, we will announce the list of candidates that will contest the elections. We will announce the list of candidates that would have passed the eligibility test."

Other candidates who have expressed interest in becoming ZIFA president include PSL chairperson Farai Jere, Northern Region Division One Soccer League chairman Martin Kweza, Yadah's Walter Magaya, and former legislator Temba Mliswa. However, with the overwhelming support of ZIFA Councillors, Magwizi appears to be the one to beat.