Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA have set December as the deadline by which elections should be conducted by the rest of the organisation’s members, paving the way for the renewal of the assembly post the FIFA normalisation period.
The association’s Electoral Committee chairperson Moses Chigudu yesterday unveiled a comprehensive electoral road map which will see elections taking place in the men’s four Regional Division One Leagues, Women’s Regional Division One Leagues, Men’s Provincial Leagues, Beach Soccer Football Association, Futsal Football Association and Area Zones.
ZIFA also announced that the election process got underway yesterday with the opening of the nominations in terms of the association’s electoral code that was adopted last year.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Electoral Committee wishes to inform all football stakeholders and the public that preparations for the 2025 ZIFA Members elections are now officially underway,” said Chigudu.
“This electoral process follows a directive from FIFA and the requirements of the ZIFA Statutes (adopted October 2024), which mandate that all ZIFA organs be constituted through democratic elections.
“The elections, guided by Article 12 paragraph 1 of the ZIFA Statutes, will cover executive committees for Men’s Regional Division One Leagues, Women’s Regional Division One Leagues, Men’s Provincial Leagues, Beach Soccer Football Association, Futsal Football Association and Area Zones.”
The elections are part of the broader process of rebuilding governance across Zimbabwean football which is still emerging from the effects of the FIFA ban of 2022 — 2023.
Under normal circumstances, the elections of the ZIFA affiliates should have taken place before the executive committee elections that were held in January this year, ushering in a new leadership fronted by Nqobile Magwizi.
However, FIFA suggested a top-to-bottom approach on the way forward for Zimbabwe football, which has not had substantive leadership since 2022.
Apart from the executive committee elections held in January, ballots were also held mid-year by two of the biggest affiliates, the Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League.
The PSL elected Simba Bhora’s Isaiah Mupfurutsa as the chairman while ZWSL settled for Chido Chizondo.
The elections to choose new leadership by the remaining members will result in the final composition of the new ZIFA assembly. Chigudu said the elections will be held in line with the ZIFA and FIFA statutes.
“The Electoral Committee assures all football stakeholders that these elections will be conducted fairly, transparently, and in full accordance with FIFA and ZIFA electoral principles.
“Stakeholders are urged to respect the official roadmap and to participate constructively in rebuilding football governance across all structures,” said Chigudu.
The election process began yesterday with the opening of nominations for all eligible structures, including Area Zones, Beach Soccer, Futsal, Provincial, Women’s Regional, and Men’s Regional Leagues.
The nominations will close on October 21, in line with the ZIFA Electoral Code. Candidates will be notified of the outcomes of the vetting process on October 29, followed by a deadline of November 6 for the sub-mission of any missing documentation.
Meanwhile, ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi was among the football leaders from the region that met FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the weekend.
“We spoke about development across the region, focusing on infrastructure and grassroots development through the FIFA Football For Schools programme.
“We touched upon the role good governance plays in progress and growth, while ensuring my support to every FIFA Member Association present,” said Infantino.
