Zifa announces election fees

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Acting Sports Editor
IN a major climbdown following a public outcry, Zifa last night announced new election fees that saw figures being reduced by up to 50 percent.Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze said those contesting in the Area Zones will have to pay $50, down from $100 while provincial office bearers will now part with $750, down from $1 500.

“Regional posts candidates will pay $1,500 while national positions for women, Futsal, beach soccer and national first divisions will attract a fee of $2,000 down from the previous figure of $3,000,” he said.

Premier Soccer League candidates, according to the new fees, will now pay $3,000 while Zifa board aspirants will part with $7,500 instead of the previous figure of $10,000.

“These figures will see us being able to conduct the whole exercise and not remain with any profits at all. As Zifa we would want to have a funding model that will be self-sustaining instead of leaving us in serious debts and when Cuthbert Dube advances the association funds people will start to say it’s vote buying,” said Mashingaidze.

National Zifa board elections will be held on March 29 while all other affiliates should have held their elections by February 29 to form a national assembly that will then vote for the eight Zifa board members.

The incumbent, Dube has already publicly declared that he will seek re-election and is likely to be challenged by Harare City chairman Leslie Gwindi with unconfirmed reports saying consultations are already under way to try and convince former national team players like Warriors coach Ian Gorowa, legendary Peter Ndlovu, former Warriors coaches Norman Mapeza and Rahman Gumbo into challenging Dube.

In the women’s league boss, Mavis Gumbo is most certain to seek a re-run and could face the challenge of Miriam Sibanda of Twalumba Holdings.

Premier Soccer League chairman Twine Phiri is set to fight it out with Dynamos secretary-general Webster Chikengezha unless Highlanders boss, Peter Dube who is the incumbent vice PSL vice chairman, decides to throw in his hat as well.