Ellen Chiwenga Protests New Rule Blocking Her from ZIFA Presidential Race

UEFA match and FIFA football agent Ellen Chiwenga has voiced her frustration after being disqualified from contesting in the upcoming Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential elections. Chiwenga, who is based in Europe, had hoped to run for the top post, but a new amendment to the ZIFA constitution has effectively barred her from entering the race.

The new clause, which was introduced during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Mana Resort in Harare, mandates that all members of the ZIFA Executive Committee must be citizens and residents of Zimbabwe. Furthermore, candidates must have lived in the country continuously for at least two years before the election date. This rule has disqualified Chiwenga, along with other aspirants living abroad.

Chiwenga expressed her disappointment on social media, stating, “Sahwira ndatadza kupinda ZIFA President nekuti handigare muZimbabwe. Ndo shaisano chaiyo” (I have failed to contest for the ZIFA Presidency because I don’t stay in Zimbabwe. That is unjust). Her exclusion has sparked debate, with some football fans describing the new statute as discriminatory, especially since it also affected other potential candidates such as Marshall Gore, based in the United Kingdom, and Richard Mazodze, a club owner residing in the United States.

The amendment is seen by many as a significant shift in the ZIFA leadership contest, limiting participation to individuals residing within Zimbabwe. Chiwenga, who had garnered attention with her background in European football, now finds herself unable to pursue her ambitions within the Zimbabwean football administration.

The new rule has drawn mixed reactions, with some arguing that it ensures local leadership, while others feel it stifles international expertise that could help revive Zimbabwean football.

As the ZIFA elections approach, discussions around the fairness of this regulation are likely to intensify, especially given the growing number of Zimbabwean football professionals contributing to the sport from abroad.