By : Lloyd Mahachi
High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi has dismissed Walter Magaya’s application to be reinstated on the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential ballot. This decision upholds the football body’s initial decision to disqualify the Yadah FC owner, dealing a significant blow to Magaya’s efforts to reform Zimbabwean football.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday morning, brings an end to Magaya’s bid to contest in Saturday’s ZIFA presidential election. Magaya had argued that he met the minimum educational qualifications outlined in the ZIFA constitution, which require candidates to possess an Ordinary Level (O-Level) certificate or an equivalent qualification.
However, the High Court found no grounds to overturn ZIFA’s determination that Magaya did not sufficiently meet the criteria. This decision is a significant setback for Magaya, who had campaigned on a platform of reform and modernization within Zimbabwean football.
Magaya’s campaign had gained significant traction, with many in the football community viewing him as a breath of fresh air. His promises to increase transparency, accountability, and investment in grassroots football had resonated with many. However, his disqualification has left a void in the election, with many wondering who will fill the gap.
Justice Chitapi emphasized that ZIFA, as a private organization, has the authority to interpret and enforce its own constitution. The court could not interfere unless the organization acted unlawfully. This ruling clears the path for Saturday’s ZIFA elections to proceed without Magaya’s participation.
The elections are expected to draw significant attention as they determine the future leadership of the football body, which has faced calls for reform and greater transparency. Developments in this story will be closely monitored as reactions pour in from Magaya’s camp, ZIFA officials, and stakeholders in Zimbabwean football.
The ZIFA presidential race has been highly contested, with six candidates vying for the top spot. These candidates include Marshall Gore, Martin Kweza, Twine Phiri, Makwinji Phiri, Nqobile Magwizi, and Philemon Machana. Each candidate has promised to bring about positive change and reform to Zimbabwean football.
As the football community waits with bated breath for the outcome of the elections, one thing is certain – the new ZIFA president will have a daunting task ahead of them. They will be expected to address the numerous challenges facing Zimbabwean football, including corruption, lack of investment, and poor infrastructure.
The ZIFA elections are scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 25. The outcome of these elections will have a significant impact on the future of Zimbabwean football. As the football community looks to the future, they can only hope that the new ZIFA president will be able to bring about the change and reform that is so desperately needed.
In the meantime, Magaya’s supporters will be left wondering what could have been. Magaya’s campaign had brought a sense of excitement and optimism to the football community, and his disqualification has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
As the dust settles on Magaya’s disqualification, one thing is certain – the future of Zimbabwean football hangs in the balance. The outcome of the ZIFA elections will determine the direction of the sport in the country, and only time will tell if the new president will be able to bring about the change and reform that is so desperately needed.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
