Manduna bullish ahead of Zifa Southern election

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
ASPIRING candidate for the Zifa Southern Region chairmanship, Elliot Manduna, has declared himself duly elected chairman before taking a dig at his opponents, describing them as inexperienced, clubless and perennial losers.
Manduna will face former  Southern Region boss Musa Mandaza and Sparrows owner Mandla Moyo in the February 22 election.
“Of all the candidates, I am the only one with a chance of winning as the other guys don’t have what it takes. Mandaza is clubless and has never been a club administrator hence has no knowledge of what clubs go through. Moyo has lost countless times at Highlanders and Zifa,” said Manduna soon after handing in his papers at Zifa offices last night.

Manduna lost at the last Zifa national elections though.
He said while he appreciates that it was up to the electorate to choose the new chairman, “if they were clever enough, they would know who to vote for. I have been there and have the credentials,” said a clearly confident former Zimbabwe Saints official.
He was in the company of another candidate and running mate Jabulani Chinyangarara who is running for one of the board member positions.

Saints has been relegated while the two were in charge and their club has had running-ins with Zifa pertaining to money issues. “I have just handed in my papers as you can see,” said Chinyangarara.

Also confirming his candidature was outgoing secretary-general Sydney Madzvimbo who is seeking a board member post.
“My papers have been handed in and the rest is up to the electorate,” said Madzvimbo.

Outgoing treasurer Tawanda Ruzive will fight it out with ZPC (Hwange) secretary-general Gaylord Madunguza for the vice-chairman’s position.

Madunguza’s strength lies in the Matabeleland North bloc while Ruzive’s experience in the region and Premiership could be his advantage.

Khumbulani Mbano, Patrick Malunga, Tafadzwa Mutowa and Tumediso “Drogba” Mukwena will battle for some of the board members’ posts.

Nominations for regional posts closed yesterday.