The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Normalisation Committee (NC) has commended Benjani Mwaruwari and Gift Banda for their decision to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following their disqualification from the upcoming ZIFA elections. The two had expressed interest in contesting for the president and vice president posts but were disqualified due to not meeting the ZIFA eligibility criteria, which include possessing five O-levels or an equivalent qualification.
Both Mwaruwari and Banda took the matter to CAS, challenging their ineligibility, a move that has earned praise from the ZIFA NC. In a statement, the NC emphasized that their actions were in line with ZIFA statutes and demonstrated a commitment to follow due process. The committee assured the public of its cooperation and transparency in the matter, stating that it would respect the CAS verdict once it is issued.
“We applaud Benjani and Gift Banda on their willingness to comply with ZIFA Statutes and procedurally challenge their ineligibility at CAS. We are working closely with our external counsel to ensure we respond within the stipulated two-day period, and will follow the CAS proceedings closely,” the NC said.
Interestingly, the NC’s stance contrasts with its response to Prophet Walter Magaya, another disqualified candidate. Magaya had chosen to file his challenge with the High Court, a move that the NC criticized as unconstitutional according to ZIFA’s rules, which dictate that challenges should be taken to CAS.
This recent development highlights the ongoing tensions within ZIFA as various candidates navigate the electoral process. It also underscores the importance of adhering to the governing statutes, with the NC reinforcing its commitment to upholding ZIFA’s standards and maintaining transparency throughout the election process.
The ZIFA NC has emphasized the importance of the CAS process in maintaining the integrity of the football association’s governance. By ensuring that all challenges to the election process are addressed through proper channels, the committee is reinforcing its commitment to fair and transparent elections, which are vital for the future of Zimbabwean football.
The disqualification of candidates like Mwaruwari, Banda, and Magaya has sparked considerable debate, but the NC’s handling of the situation—particularly its praise for those who choose to challenge decisions via CAS—shows a willingness to uphold the rule of law and the statutes that govern ZIFA’s operations. As the elections approach, all eyes will be on the outcomes of these legal battles and their impact on the candidates involved, as well as the broader football community in Zimbabwe.
Ultimately, the CAS ruling will likely set a precedent for how such matters are handled in future elections, ensuring that the leadership of Zimbabwean football remains credible and rooted in the proper legal framework. For now, the ZIFA NC remains steadfast in its dedication to a transparent, fair process, and it has made it clear that it will respect the CAS verdict, whatever it may be.
