adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Acting Sports Editor
ZIFA is today expected to announce largely unchanged election fees despite a public outcry that saw the country’s supreme sports body, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) stepping in. The national association is likely to dig in and stick to their original figures or make nominal changes, after Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze declared yesterday that the body “will not be swayed by anyone”.
According to the schedule of fees he announced in November, individuals targeting Zifa board positions will have to fork a whooping $10,000 with Premiership aspirants parting with $5,000 while those vying for the women’s football, beach soccer and five-a-side will pay $2,500.
Those that are interested in going for regional offices are expected to pay $1,500 with provincial candidates depositing $1,000 to stand for the elections while area zone nomination fees have been pegged at $100.
The figures raised a lot of ire among the football community until the SRC board wrote to Zifa advising them to review those figures to at least the 2010 levels.
Mashingaidze said in coming up with figures that they will announce today, they will make sure that the national association is not left in debt as happened in 2010.
“If we try to make populist decisions the association will remain in debt and then if we turn to Cuthbert Dube for salvation. So as we announce the new fees tomorrow (today) we will take into account the need to protect the association’s bank balance,” said Mashingaidze.
He said Zifa was left in a bad financial shape after the 2010 elections hence they had to come up with figures that will cover all the costs involved in the running of the elections.
The Zifa head of secretariat refuted allegations that the figures were meant to close out any aspiring candidates while protecting those already in office.
“No one is targeted as perceived by some people,” said Mashingaidze.
The national elections have been set for March 29. Eight board members will be elected by a national assembly.
The incumbent, Cuthbert Dube has already 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 underway 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 sitting boss, Mavis Gumbo is most certain to seek re-election 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 serving PSL vice chairman, decides to throw in his hat as well.
Online Reporter