Wenslus Murape
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE mad season of the ZIFA elections is now well and truly underway with the association releasing the nomination forms and sending aspiring candidates into the trenches as they seek the endorsement of members.
But, the opening day of the nomination court was not without drama amid revelations that there is a spirited legal bid to stop Northern Region Soccer League chairman Martin Kweza from taking a crack at the ZIFA presidential seat.
Kweza has come under attack from a member of the public who is seeking a High Court order declaring his chairmanship of the NRSL, and candidature, null and void. The complainant, Maxwell Mabuto, argues that he is a football fan and has the locus standi to question Kweza’s suitability.
He claims that Kweza was imposed as NRSL chairman following the death of incumbent Willard Manyengavana in August 2019.
“I am advised and verily believe that in order to succeed in an application of this nature, I must demonstrate that I have interest in existing, future or contingent right or obligation and that I have a direct and substantial interest in the subject matter of the suit,” Mabuto said.
“I am an avid fan and supporter of the game of football and I am domiciled within the second respondent’s (NRSL) area of operation.
“I desire that the order and rule of law prevail in the administration of football in the said area and I am aggrieved by the manner in which the first respondent has ascended to the office of the second respondent which I consider to be unlawful and invalid.
“For the reasons that follow hereunder, it is submitted that the appointment of first respondent as chairman of second respondent was illegal and was therefore a nullity and of no force or effect.”
He added:
“Third respondent (ZIFA’s) statutes prevail over the operations and activities of second respondent and other bodies affiliated to it.
“Every football body in Zimbabwe, including second respondent, is enjoined to abide by the regulations, directions and principles set out in third respondent’s statutes and in the stakeholders of FIFA, CAF and COSAFA.
“Further to the above, substantial justice demands that any party appointed onto the board of a body corporate in any capacity be so appointed in accordance with said body’s governing documents.
“The first respondent, in deliberate violation of the third respondent’s statutes, ascended to the second respondent’s substantive chairmanship immediately after the incumbent’s death.
“It is my sincerest submission in view of the foregoing that the appointment of first respondent as substantive chairman of the second respondent ought to be declared unlawful and a legal nullity wherefore I pray for an order in terms of the draft.”
Kweza was not immediately available for comment yesterday. He has 10 days from November 21 within which to file his response.
However, sources close to the NRSL indicated that the region believes that “it is part of the politics of ZIFA elections.”
“It’s all a smear campaign to try to frustrate Kweza and even block him because there is a fear that he is a popular candidate.
“This is not the first time this is happening as we saw Felton Kamambo being suspended, arrested and harassed in the run up to the 2018 elections which he eventually won.”
Online Reporter