A significant scandal is erupting in Zimbabwean football, as shocking allegations surface against Prophet Walter Magaya and former Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) vice president Gift Banda. The two are accused of scheming to secure powerful positions within the organization by influencing key councilors to amend ZIFA’s constitution in a clandestine meeting held on October 10, 2024, at Number 10 Park Road in Bulawayo.
At the center of this controversy is a proposed amendment to eliminate the educational qualification requirements for ZIFA executive committee members. Currently, the ZIFA Statutes stipulate that candidates must possess at least five O-level qualifications. Notably, this requirement poses a barrier for Magaya, who reportedly does not meet these academic standards. Critics assert that this attempt to change the constitution could violate Article 4 of the ZIFA Statutes, which mandates non-discrimination and equality.
A Shadowy History of Allegations
Prophet Magaya, founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, has previously faced serious accusations, including rape and fraud. Banda, on the other hand, has a tumultuous history with ZIFA, having been dismissed twice due to his involvement in match-fixing scandals. Their combined past raises concerns about the integrity of the sport and the individuals attempting to control its future.
Sources reveal that the meeting aimed to persuade councilors to reject the educational qualifications clause and other stipulations deemed obstacles to their aspirations for the upcoming ZIFA elections set for January 2025. While Magaya appears to be positioning himself for the presidency, Banda is reportedly eyeing the vice-presidential role.
The Stakes are High
The current ZIFA Statutes highlight the importance of integrity checks and educational qualifications for those aspiring to executive positions. The statutes clearly state that both the president and vice presidents must have passed a minimum of five O-level subjects or possess equivalent qualifications. This is intended to ensure that individuals in leadership positions uphold a standard of integrity and competence, particularly in an organization as significant as ZIFA.
On October 18, a critical meeting in Harare will take place, allowing ZIFA councilors to deliberate proposed amendments and set the stage for the upcoming executive committee elections. The outcome of this meeting could have far-reaching implications for the governance of Zimbabwean football.
Key Players in the Scandal
Among those present at the controversial Bulawayo meeting were influential figures from various football regions, including Magaya’s manager, Wellington Mpandare, Eddi Ndodana Masuku, Chairman of the Area Zone South Region, and representatives from Bulawayo Chiefs and Arenel Movers FC. Their involvement underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for widespread influence within the organization.
As these events unfold, the ramifications for Zimbabwean football could be profound. Concerns about governance and the influence of powerful individuals in the sport are mounting, and the integrity of the ZIFA elections is at stake. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining how this scandal plays out and what it means for the future of football in Zimbabwe.
Awaiting Response
As of now, Prophet Magaya has not publicly addressed the allegations, leaving many to speculate about the veracity of the claims and the potential consequences for both him and Banda. With tensions rising and public interest piqued, the spotlight is firmly on ZIFA and its leadership as they navigate this troubling chapter in Zimbabwean football history.
In conclusion, the unfolding saga surrounding Magaya and Banda poses critical questions about the future governance of ZIFA, the integrity of its elections, and the overarching influence of controversial figures within the sport. The upcoming meetings and their outcomes will be crucial in determining not just the fate of these individuals but also the direction of Zimbabwean football as a whole.
In other news – Zimbabwean woman sentenced for illegal possession of elephant tusk in Botswana
A Zimbabwean woman, Nokuthula Sithembile Khumalo, has been sentenced to four years in prison and fined P20,000 for the illegal possession of an elephant tusk in Botswana. The 37-year-old resident of Plumtree, Matabeleland South, was apprehended on June 29 at Nswazwi Mall, where she was found with the tusk hidden in a bag.
Khumalo was accompanied by her nephew, Gilbert Tasiiwa, during the incident. Tasiiwa was also arrested but later released after it was established that he did not know the tusk; Read More
