ZIFA Presidential Candidates Magaya, Machana, and Kweza Face Legal Challenges Over Pending Cases

As Zimbabwe prepares for its upcoming Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential elections on January 25, 2024, the candidacies of three prominent figures—Prophet Walter Magaya, Phillimon Machana, and Martin Kweza—are facing significant hurdles. The trio’s bids could be jeopardized due to ongoing criminal and civil cases, raising concerns about their eligibility to contest in the elections.

According to ZIFA’s regulations, candidates are required to be free from any “pending civil, criminal, or disciplinary proceedings or investigations.” This has sparked concerns among football stakeholders, who have raised objections about the nominations of the three aspirants, especially as their legal issues could lead to disqualification.

Magaya, the founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD), is embroiled in multiple legal issues. He faces charges related to tax evasion, asset forfeiture, and past convictions under the Medicines Control Act. Notably, in 2018, he was fined US$700 for advertising a false HIV/AIDS cure, which endangered public health. These cases could prevent him from meeting ZIFA’s eligibility criteria for candidacy.

Machana, an ex-ZIFA board member, is accused of misappropriating public funds during his tenure under the Felton Kamambo-led administration. The former board member is allegedly involved in the embezzlement of nearly US$1 million, which was allegedly transferred to Conduit Investments, a company he owned. This violation of FIFA and ZIFA statutes has raised serious concerns about his candidacy.

Kweza, a former football official, faces accusations of criminal abuse of office and fraud, specifically linked to the Scottland FC and Karoi United cases. These allegations further complicate his ability to stand for election under ZIFA’s current regulations.

With these pending legal cases, the three candidates are under scrutiny as their eligibility to participate in the election hinges on the outcome of the vetting process. If they fail to clear this crucial hurdle, they could be barred from contesting in what is set to be a highly competitive race for the ZIFA presidency.

Stakeholders in the Zimbabwean football community have expressed concern over the potential impact of these cases on the credibility of the elections. As the situation unfolds, the ZIFA electoral committee and the Sports and Recreation Committee (SRC) will be tasked with making a final determination regarding the eligibility of Magaya, Machana, and Kweza.

The legal challenges facing these aspirants reflect broader issues within Zimbabwe’s football administration, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in the leadership selection process. As the election date draws closer, all eyes will be on how the eligibility concerns are addressed and whether the candidates will be allowed to contest for the coveted position of ZIFA president.