Gabriel Nyoni calls for unity ahead of Zifa polls

FORMER footballer Gabriel Nyoni has urged the nation’s football fraternity to put aside differences and unite for the good of the game.

With the Zifa elections just around the corner, Nyoni’s call to action is well-timed.

In the past, the atmosphere surrounding the Zifa elections has been charged with controversy, but it is essential that stakeholders remain focused on the bigger picture. According to Nyoni, by placing aside individual interests and working together, Zimbabwe football can emerge stronger and more resilient.

“Magaya is wrong, Magaya is right, Peter Ndlovu is wrong, Peter Ndlovu is right. Bunjira is right, Bunjira is wrong. Criticism matters, but then come up with better ways, don’t criticise and just stay behind the scenes. We are so much divided as a football nation,” said Nyoni.

Nyoni stressed that the culture of criticism and division must be eradicated, and the new leader should prioritise unifying the football nation.

“The new leader should try as much as he can to first unify our football nation. Because we have problems, everyone feels their opinion is right and the other is wrong.

“One tries to do something positive, the other criticises it and pulls it down. It’s a culture that we need to eradicate. Our Warriors qualifying for Afcon is a sign we have so much potential. We need to pull in one direction,” said Nyoni.

The Zifa Normalisation Committee has announced the final list of candidates for the elections, which will take place on January 25.

The polls will be conducted under new clauses imposed by Fifa and 11 members, including the president and two vice-presidents, will be elected to form the new executive board. Several big names, including Yadah owner Walter Magaya, former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari, and Themba Mliswa, failed the eligibility tests. The vetting process covered the aspiring candidates’ crime and ethical records, educational background, and residency in the last two years.

Marshall Gore, Philemon Machana, Nqobile Magwizi, Martin Kweza, Twine Phiri, and Makwinji Soma Phiri are some of the candidates vying for the top post. Mavis Gumbo, Patience Mutumwa, Winnet Murota, Joyce Kapota, Loveness Mukura, Omega Sibanda, Peter Dube, and Kennedy Ndebele are among the candidates contesting for the vice-president’s post.

The elections are expected to bring a new era of leadership to Zimbabwean football, and Nyoni’s call for unity is a timely reminder of the importance of putting the interests of the game above individual differences.

@innocentskizoe