ZIFA presidential hopeful Phillemon Machana has called on stakeholders to prioritise merit and proven leadership as Zimbabwe’s football governing body prepares for pivotal elections.
Machana will battle for the top leadership spot against Nqobile Magwizi, Marshall Gore, Twine Phiri, Makwinji Soma-Phiri and Martin Kweza in a race initially slated for January 25, but now shrouded in uncertainty as court challenges mount from candidates disqualified after failing Zifa's integrity test.
Speaking ahead of the January 25 elections, Machana emphasised his extensive experience and accomplishments within Zifa, which he believes make him the ideal candidate to lead the revival of Zimbabwean football.
“Having served under the able leadership of two former Zifa presidents, Dr Phillip Chiyangwa and Mr Felton Kamambo, as board member responsible for finance, I gained invaluable experience in managing and overcoming some of the most daunting challenges in our football history,” he said.
Machana highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the timely production of clean audited financial statements, annual budgets and activity reports that were regularly adopted by the Zifa Congress and shared with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and Fifa, as required by regulations.
He also spoke about leading the clearance of Zifa’s US$12 million legacy debt in 2019, which had stifled the association’s operations for more than two decades.
“Zifa is debt-free today because of those actions, and it can now operate freely as a healthy entity,” Machana said.
Reflecting on his role in Zimbabwe’s international football success, Machana said: “We qualified for all available slots of Afcon tournaments during my time, achieving a 100% success record. Zimbabwe has been to Afcon five times, and I was part of the executive in three of those qualifications, even during trying times of legacy debt and the Covid-19 pandemic.”
He also underscored Zimbabwe’s triumph in the Cosafa tournament and two consecutive qualifications for Chan, achievements he credited to teamwork and determination.
“We fulfilled all scheduled national team fixtures, no matter the challenges, and restored annual Fifa grants that had been suspended due to previous accountability issues. By ensuring regular and accurate reporting as well as clean audits, we ticked all the boxes needed to secure that funding,” he said.
As Zifa faces the challenge of restoring credibility, addressing governance issues and reviving grassroots football, Machana called on stakeholders to elect a leader with a proven track record.
“We cannot afford to gamble with leadership anymore,” he said.
“Our football deserves someone who understands the game and has proven their ability to lead. This is not just about filling a position; it’s about ensuring the next leader has the vision, skills and experience to turn our football fortunes around.”
The Zifa presidential elections have drawn intense scrutiny from fans and stakeholders hoping for leadership that can revive Zimbabwean football’s former glory.
However, the election date remains uncertain, with legal challenges pending at the High Court and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi is expected to deliver judgment next Thursday in Walter Magaya’s challenge against his disqualification from contesting for the Zifa presidency.