Phiri refuses to pull out of ZIFA race

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ASPIRING ZIFA president Twine Phiri feels he is the right candidate to take Zimbabwean football forward, and he is prepared to turn down any shameful bribery overtures by a rival for him to step aside.

The veteran football administrator is one of the six figures eyeing the apex post in the January 25 ZIFA elections.

He will square up against fellow veterans Philemon Machana and Martin Kweza, as well as Makwinji Soma-Phiri, Marshal Gore, and Nqobile Magwizi.

Amid speculation that some candidates might pull out of the race despite making it to the ballot papers, the former CAPS United owner and PSL chairman said he will not be swayed.

Phiri said this while officially launching his candidature at a significantly subscribed event held at a Harare hotel on Saturday afternoon.

“I might not have the money, but I am bringing my passion and experience in the game to the table,” said Phiri.

“I can assure all of you stakeholders, including councillors, members of the media, and football fans, that I will not be bribed out of the race.

“I can tell you that I faced trials and tribulations when I acquired CAPS United Football Club from CAPS Pharmaceuticals back in 2002.

“I was beaten up by the club supporters for appointing Charles Mhlauri as the coach.

“The fans didn’t like him for several reasons, but I saw a lot of potential in him.

“So I was beaten up at a match at Gwanzura, and I could have lost my eyesight. But I stood firm for what I believed was right, and at the end, everyone was smiling.

“I cannot be swayed by anything to take my eyes off the ball. That’s what I am saying.”

Phiri said Zimbabweans ought to trust him with their football because he has done well in leadership positions in the game previously.

It is he who transformed the Green Machine into a force by winning over 15 trophies during the time he was the sole owner of the club between 2002 and 2008.

The titles included the BP Cup, CBZ FA Cup, Buddie Cup, and BancABC trophy, as well as back-to-back league crowns between 2004-2005.

“I acquired CAPS United from CAPS Pharmaceuticals as a mere 27-year-old in 2002 and transformed the team into the huge giant they are now through sound corporate governance when I was the sole owner from 2002 to 2008.

“I also became the PSL chairman in the 2010s and was able to bring back Delta Corporations through their Castle Lager brand to sponsor the game after they had left in 1997,” added Phiri.

“I also convinced different other sponsors to partner with the league, and we saw the coming in of the ZNA Charity Shield, Mbada Diamonds Cup, Easycall Cup, and the Chibuku Super Cup coming on.

“I will do exactly that when elected to lead ZIFA, and football will never be the same again.”

Phiri said he has gained a lot of experience from working with gurus like the late Morrison Sifelani.

“I have tapped in a lot from the best administrators that I have worked with, including Morrison Sifelani.

“I think I can be able to summon all that for the good of our football if given the mandate to run the association.”