HARARE – ZIFA councillors backing Walter Magaya’s bid for the presidency were left baffled Friday night after the PHD leader appeared to endorse Nqobile Magwizi while cautioning that electing Magwizi ZIFA president could spell challenging times for the already troubled football association.
Magwizi, who has allegedly spent thousands of dollars enticing councillors while at the same time working with shadowy operatives to position himself as “the system’s chosen one,” is widely seen as the frontrunner in tomorrow’s pivotal election. However, he faces strong competition from Twine Phiri, Marshall Gore, Phillemon Machana, and Makwinji Soma Phiri—all of whom are considered more approachable and relatable than he is.
On the eve of the crucial vote, Magaya addressed councillors at his Yadah Hotel, in what appeared to be a reluctant endorsement of Magwizi. Speaking to ZIFA councillors Magaya, who was disqualified by ZIFA’s integrity tests in December, appeared to claim that he had been pressured by “elders” and “powerful people” to back Magwizi.
“If you ask me if there is anyone on the ballot who can deliver half of what I wanted to do, I’ll tell you there is no one,” Magaya told councillors Friday night. “Two weeks ago, I was invited by top people who asked me why I was still pushing for the ZIFA presidency when ZIFA had disqualified me. They told me there is a preferred candidate within the system — Magwizi. They said my chances of winning were ‘minus one.’”
Magaya, who on Thursday lost a High Court bid to re-enter the ZIFA presidential race, narrated how he was advised to step aside and focus on his church, but he resisted, equating football to preaching. “Football is my passion. If we improve football, we preach peace,” he said.
He revealed having “a meeting with a big man” after the courts rejected his bid to contest, where he was urged to endorse Magwizi. “They said Magwizi would work closely with me to implement my vision. I can’t go against the system and powerful people after all I’ve lost at the courts,” Magaya added.
Magaya set conditions for his endorsement, including guarantees that councillors who are not governors of clubs would not be removed, women’s football would be respected and funded, and grassroots football development would be prioritized. “He (the said elder) promised me all these things,” he said.
However, his speech left councillors puzzled, with some questioning whether he had been intimidated into making the endorsement. One councillor asked if Magwizi’s camp would amend the constitution to allow Magaya to contest in the future. Magaya denied any such promises, stating, “They only said I should back. I was promised nothing.”
Magaya concluded by stressing that councillors were free to vote as they wished but made it clear where his allegiance lay. “I am not telling you who to vote for, but my endorsement goes to Magwizi,” he said.
The congress will shape the future of Zimbabwean football, marking the anticipated end of the ZIFA Normalisation Committee’s mandate. Speculation abounds over whether councillors, who were in Magaya’s corner before his disqualification but still hold him in high regard, will back Magwizi, amid fears, if elected, Magwizi will alter the composition of the elective congress, replacing councillors with his own allies.
Critics describe Magwizi as unapproachable, raising concerns about his accessibility and his ability to engage effectively. Allegations have also surfaced suggesting he is a puppet of powerful forces, unable to make independent decisions without seeking permission. It remains uncertain whether councillors will give other candidates a fair chance in an election where Zimbabweans are counting on the 78 ZIFA councillors to make pivotal football decisions.
Source: Kukurigo
