Zifa aspiring president Twine Phiri is confident that he will become the association's next boss following the association’s executive committee elections slated for January 25.
The former Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairman is one of the six candidates who passed the eligibility test to contest for the position of the Zifa president, alongside Nqobile Magwizi, Makwinji Soma Phiri, Philemon Machana and Marshall Gore.
Walter Magaya, Farai Jere, Themba Mliswa and Benjani Mwaruwari failed the integrity test conducted by the Zifa normalisation committee and the Zifa ethics and integrity committee.
Mwaruwari has taken the matter to Cas where he is seeking redress, putting the election into jeopardy.
Despite the uncertainty over the election due to Mwaruwari's appeal, Phiri yesterday launched his campaign at a local hotel in Harare where he promised to develop football from grassroots level as well as improve corporate governance at Zifa.
Phiri promised to launch his manifesto in the coming few days.
Speaking at the function yesterday, an event that was attended by councilors mostly from the Northern Region, Phiri said he is the right candidate for the top Zifa post and is confident of beating his competitors.
Although history has shown that the Zifa councillors have always had a liking for wealthy candidates, and allegations of vote buying have marred previous elections, Phiri believes he will beat his wealthy competitors.
- Time to act on South Africa violence against immigrants
- Xenophobia victim Nyathi buried
- Xenophobic attacks against Zimbabweans barbaric
- Time to act on South Africa violence against immigrants
Keep Reading
He is banking on the councillors to make a "football decision".
"These men are of high moral standings. Don't underestimate these people. They are upstanding family people and are football people. They run football from the grassroots level up to the highest level so do not underestimate them. People have different mentalities about them but let me assure you, from the conversations I have had with most of them, they want to be led by a football person. They want a person who will improve our football, and not monetary benefits. These guys are genuine," Phiri said.
The former Caps United owner said he has all the qualities to be a good leader that would transform local football.
"I'm a man of integrity, very ethical. I have garnered a lot of football experience working with people like the late Morrison Sifelani and Ndumiso Gumede. I have decided to come back to football because of the passion that I have for it. We all know the problems that Zimbabwe has been facing in football, and with the passion that I have, I decided I should step in and try to help. I'm very dedicated to this cause and I'm here for football."
"This is a pivotal moment for the future of football in Zimbabwe and I'm committed to lead us towards a brighter and more prosperous era. I'm pleased that the Zifa ethics committee thoroughly reviewed my candidacy and cleared me to campaign. This endorsement is testament to my unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency and highest ethical standards. My vision for Zimbabwe football is bold and ambitious. I aim to evaluate our football standards, nurture young talent and foster a culture of excellence and unity within our football community. Our plans are comprehensive and focused on sustaining growth and development. "We recognise the challenges we face, but with a clear strategy and unwavering dedication, we can overcome them. Together we can build a stronger, more vibrant football culture that inspires and unites all of us."
Reports also suggest that there are some candidates, who have been bribed to step down from the race.
"Let me assure you that I'm not fake. I have been in the football trenches for a long time. In 2002 when I was leading Caps United there were people who came and offered me money to leave football but I turned them down. The following year, I was assaulted by supporters at Gwanzura Stadium after I had made a football decision by appointing Charles Mhlauri to coach Caps United. I'm not surrendering, I'm here to compete. There are a lot of rumors going around with some saying I was given US$100 000 to step aside and some are saying I will be bribed soon, but let me assure you this, with the little that I have, I'm happy and I'm going to contest and serve football. I'm in and I'm in for a fight."
