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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
FLAMBOYANT businessman Philip Chiyangwa, who is running for the vacant Zifa presidency, yesterday said he was more than qualified to run for the post as he has been in football administration for more than a decade.
Chiyangwa, who has since been endorsed by the Zifa Northern and Eastern regions as well as Mashonaland West and Harare provinces, said he has been a director of Chinhoyi United and Old Citrus Farm football clubs since 1993, making him eligible for the presidency in terms of the five-year football experience required by the Zifa constitution.
“I’ve the necessary football experience. My candidature has been declared and I’ve a lot that I can do for Zimbabwean football,” said Chiyangwa.
The Harare businessman also sponsors a football tournament bearing his name, which has been running since 2000.
Chiyangwa is now the leading candidate to replace Cuthbert Dube after another Harare businessman Farai Jere, who was initially thought to have had an interest in the post, publicly came out in support of the 56-year-old.
Jere is now Chiyangwa’s campaign manager.
With Jere pulling out of the race, Chiyangwa might even be elected unopposed when the 58 councillors go for elections on December 5.
Sources yesterday said even the vice presidency might not be voted for as former Zifa vice-president and Bulawayo businessman Omega Sibanda has emerged as the odds on favourite to retain his post.
“I think it’s clear now that we’re only going to vote for board members. As it stands, Chiyangwa and Sibanda might not be challenged. Our hope is that these two gentlemen will not disappoint us once they’re in office,” said a councillor, who asked not to be named.
It is also believed that Zifa Southern Region boss Musa Mandaza has been endorsed by the region to run for one of the board members’ post.
If elected board member, Mandaza’s position at the Southern Region is likely to be filled by former referee Bryton Malandule.
Online Reporter