Sports Reporter
The race for the presidency of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is gaining momentum as Farai Jere, the current President of CAPS United and head of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), has officially declared his intention to run for the top position.
Jere’s candidacy adds a significant name to a growing list of potential contenders, which includes UK-based football executive Marshal Gore, former CAPS United star Alois Bunjira, and clergyman Walter Magaya. Notably, football legend Peter Ndlovu is also expected to enter the race, further intensifying the competition.
Jere’s Background and Experience
Farai Jere is recognized for his efforts in stabilizing the PSL and successfully managing CAPS United, leading the club to the group stages of the CAF Champions League. His experience as a former ZIFA board member positions him as a strong candidate for the presidency, and he is expected to make an official announcement regarding his candidacy soon.
Current ZIFA Leadership and Election Preparations
ZIFA is currently under the guidance of a Normalisation Committee established by FIFA to address issues from the previous administration. Recent amendments to the association’s constitution were ratified during a ZIFA congress in Harare, paving the way for elections scheduled for early next year.
SRC Official Exonerates Ousted ZIFA Board Members
Developments in the Fraud Case
In a significant turn of events, a Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) official has exonerated five former ZIFA board members—Felton Kamambo, Philemon Machana, Stanley Chapeta, Joseph Mamutse, and Brighton Malandule—who were facing fraud charges. The SRC had initially accused them of using ZIFA letterhead to write misleading letters while under suspension. However, the SRC later withdrew as complainants in the case, leading to questions about the validity of the prosecution.
Testimony and Legal Proceedings
During the trial, Sebastian Garikai, the former acting director general of the SRC, testified that the letters written on ZIFA letterhead violated the terms of the suspension imposed on the board members. However, he acknowledged that the suspension letter did not specify prohibitions, including the use of ZIFA letterhead, raising doubts about the prosecution’s case.
The defense argued that the SRC’s actions were irregular and that the accused were recognized as legitimate leaders by FIFA during the SRC’s allegations. The case is set to continue on October 31, as the legal proceedings unfold.
Conclusion
The upcoming ZIFA elections are shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Zimbabwean football, with high-profile candidates like Farai Jere entering the race. Meanwhile, the legal challenges faced by the ousted ZIFA board members highlight ongoing tensions within the organization and the complexities of governance in Zimbabwean football. Stakeholders are keenly watching these developments as they could significantly impact the future direction of the sport in the country.
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