Simba Bhora Football Club and its President, Simba Ndoro, have arranged a bus to transport supporters to Pretoria for the Mighty Warriors’ important second leg Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifier against Angola on Wednesday, February 26.
Nqobile Magwizi, the ZIFA President, expressed appreciation for Simba Bhora’s support, saying it will contribute to boosting the morale of the national team and promoting a stronger football culture. Said Magwizi:
<blockquote>
This act of generosity by Simba Bhora Football Club is a testament to the unity and shared vision we have for Zimbabwean football. Their support will go a long way in boosting the morale of our team and fostering a stronger football culture. We are deeply grateful for their contribution.
</blockquote>
ZIFA urged all interested supporters to contact the following numbers for more information: +263771513080 and +263773045907.
In the first leg of their penultimate 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the Mighty Warriors lost 2-1 to Angola in Luanda on Thursday.
Zimbabwe will host the Palancas Negras at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
The winner of the Angola versus Zimbabwe match will face Malawi in the final round of qualification.

Pindula News

Simba Bhora Football Club is helping fans go to a soccer match in Pretoria, South Africa. The match is between the Mighty Warriors and Angola for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The President of ZIFA thanked Simba Bhora for their support. The Mighty Warriors lost the first game to Angola. The winner of this match will play Malawi next. Fans who want to go can call the phone numbers provided for more information. It's important for the team to have lots of supporters at the game.

Simba Bhora Provides Bus For Supporters To Mighty Warriors' AWCON Qualifier

Former Premier Soccer League boss Twine Phiri and former ZIFA financial director Phillemon Machana have withdrawn their appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sports, where they were challenging Nqobile Magwizi’s election as ZIFA president.
Phiri and Machana had filed the appeal, alleging interference in the election after businessman Wicknell Chivayo offered a US$10 million sponsorship to the association and personal vehicles to ZIFA councillors in exchange for voting for Magwizi.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Phiri and Machana confirmed that they were withdrawing their appeal.
They explained that the decision was made to give football space to heal, stabilise, and grow, allowing the new executive committee to begin with a clean slate and without any contest.
The two also said that Chivayo, being no stranger to football sponsorship, should no longer be seen as having interfered in the election process. They added:
<blockquote>
Our engagements over the past few days, both solicited and unsolicited with several key stakeholders, have influenced this latest decision.
We are grateful that in this season, ZIFA has attracted massive support and contributions from diverse sections of the population to whom we are indebted. 
Individuals like Mr. Chivayo and corporates alike have historically stood with the nation and the footballing world, sacrificing personal resources even in dire times. Such support is always encouraged and welcome and must not stop.
We therefore announce as we hereby do, that we are withdrawing the CAS appeal… we have instructed our lawyers to do the needful and withdraw the CAS appeal.
</blockquote>
Earlier this month, Chivayo proposed a meeting with Phiri and Machana to “apologize, and agree on a gentleman’s private settlement, rather than have them tarnish my precious name over unfounded allegations.”

Twine Phiri and Phillemon Machana have stopped fighting against Nqobile Magwizi's win as ZIFA president. They said they want to give football a chance to grow without any more problems. They also said businessman Wicknell Chivayo did not interfere in the election. Chivayo offered money and cars to ZIFA voters. Phiri and Machana decided to drop their appeal after talking to many people. They want to move forward and support ZIFA. Chivayo wanted to make peace with Phiri and Machana.

Phiri, Machana Withdraw Appeals Against Magwizi's Election As ZIFA President

The new ZIFA board has pledged to fulfil a promise made nine years ago to reward the Mighty Warriors, Zimbabwe’s women’s senior football team, with 30 residential stands for qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics and the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi made the during a presentation to the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC).
Back in 2016, then-Minister of Sport and Recreation Makhosini Hlongwane had promised the stands as a reward for the team’s remarkable achievement. Said Magwizi (via <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zifa-revisit-mighty-warriors-stands-promise/">Chronicle</a>):
<blockquote>
When the women went to the Olympics in 2016, they were promised some stands. Am I correct?.
So, we are going to come to you with that issue. We want to follow it up. That’s what we want. These national team players, who raised our flag high at that time, were given that promise.
So, I hope you will be able to enlighten us on that matter because it is a very important issue. It sets the right tone and attitude, even for us as an administration, to be able to fulfil our obligations.
</blockquote>
In 2016, the Mighty Warriors made history as the first football team from Zimbabwe to qualify for the finals of a major global tournament—the Olympic Games.
Their stunning achievement came after they triumphed over continental heavyweights Cameroon in the final qualifier the year before.
But their success didn’t stop there. The team also secured a spot in the finals of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, defeating Zambia in the final qualifying round.
Their hard-earned victories were celebrated with a dinner where, amid the festivities, then-Sports Minister Makhosini Hlongwane made the promise to the team.
Hlongwane said that the government could not offer cash rewards, but would provide 30 housing stands in Harare as a token of recognition.
Since that moment, the Mighty Warriors have made several attempts to follow up on the promise, but their efforts have been in vain.
SRC chairman Gerald Mlotshwa agreed with Magwizi that any public promise should be kept.
SRC Commissioner Nigel Munyati lamented the ongoing neglect of women’s football, saying the Warriors often receive preferential treatment over the women’s teams. Said Munyati:
<blockquote>
It’s actually reminding me of something about football and women. There has been a tendency to view women’s football as a lower-tier institution, with more attention given to the Warriors than the Mighty Warriors. They don’t receive the same level of support.
But something we should all remember is that the most significant achievements in Zimbabwean football have actually come from women’s football.
They made it to the Olympics in 2016 – the men haven’t gotten that far. So, we must appreciate that. I think this is an area that needs to change.
</blockquote>
The Mighty Warriors are gearing up for a crucial battle as they prepare for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifiers against Angola later this month.
The team is currently in camp, training hard with one goal in mind: to secure a spot in the tournament.
Their journey will begin on 20 February in Luanda, where they’ll face Angola in the first leg.
But with Zimbabwe lacking a CAF-approved stadium for international matches, the Mighty Warriors will return to their adopted home, Lucas Moripe Stadium in South Africa, to host Angola for the return leg.
If the Mighty Warriors can conquer Angola, they will advance to face the winner of the Malawi vs. Congo match.

The new ZIFA board promised to give the Mighty Warriors 30 residential stands for qualifying for the 2016 Olympics and the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. This promise was made back in 2016 but had not been fulfilled. The team made history by being the first Zimbabwean football team to qualify for a major global tournament. The Mighty Warriors are now preparing for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifiers against Angola. The team has faced neglect in the past, with men's teams often receiving more support, but their achievements should be recognized and appreciated.

Magwizi Pledges To Fulfill 9-Year-Old Promise To Mighty Warriors

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi has taken to social media to congratulate Marshall Munetsi following his transfer to English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers from Stade de Reims.
Magwizi praised Munetsi for his hard work and commitment during his time at the French club, saying his legacy will be remembered for years to come. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
A heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved move to Wolverhampton Wanderers FC! This transition marks not just a new chapter in your career but a culmination of the immense talent, unwavering dedication, and remarkable leadership you have consistently displayed on and off the pitch.
Over the past six and a half years at Stade de Reims, you have transformed the club into a true home, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and commitment that will resonate for years to come.
Your journey has been nothing short of inspiring. As our beloved Vice Captain, you have raised the Zimbabwean flag with pride, symbolizing hope and determination for countless young athletes who look up to you
You symbolize and personify the essence of perseverance, proving that dreams can be realized through relentless effort and passion.
As you embark on this exciting new adventure,know that you carry the support and pride of all Zimbabweans and those who have witnessed an incredible journey across the globe.
May your time at Wolverhampton be filled with success, joy, and continued inspiration. We believe in you and look forward to seeing the heights you will reach in your new home.
</blockquote>

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi congratulated Marshall Munetsi for moving to England. He praised Munetsi for working hard and being a good leader at his old club in France. Magwizi said Munetsi's journey is inspiring and gives hope to other young athletes. Munetsi's move is a big deal for Zimbabwe and people are proud of him. Magwizi wished Munetsi success and happiness in his new team in the English Premier League. Zimbabweans believe in him and are excited to see him do well in his new home.

Magwizi Hails Munetsi’s "Hard Work" After EPL Move

Wicknell Chivayo has denied allegations of vote-buying in the recent ZIFA elections, in which his preferred candidate, Nqobile Magwizi, emerged victorious with 61 votes out of 76 ballots.
Chivayo had promised to gift Magwizi a new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser if he won, along with offering US$10 million in funding to ZIFA contingent on Magwizi’s win.
He also pledged to provide a brand-new vehicle to each voting councillor if Magwizi secured the position.
In a social media post this Saturday, Chivayo defended his actions, arguing that his offers of support to ZIFA under Magwizi’s leadership did not amount to vote-buying. He said:
<blockquote>
It has come to my attention that an alleged “PETITION” is being intended for submission to FIFA through social media, alleging that my public pledge to support ZIFA under the leadership of NQOBILE MAGWIZI constitutes “vote-buying” and violates the FIFA Code of Ethics.
I REFUTE these allegations, which are BASELESS, MISLEADING, and totally UNFOUNDED. My commitment to Zimbabwean football has always been driven by a desire to see the sport THRIVE and reach its FULL potential, not by any ulterior motives to influence electoral outcomes.
</blockquote>
Chivayo further argued that the FIFA Code of Ethics, specifically Articles 20 and 21 governs the offering and accepting of gifts or benefits by individuals bound by the Code. He added:
<blockquote>
I am NOT BOUND by this Code, as I am neither a ZIFA official, board member, nor councillor. My contributions are those of a PRIVATE BUSINESSMAN acting within the bounds of the law and out of a genuine commitment to the DEVELOPMENT of football in Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, there is NO evidence that Mr. Magwizi or any ZIFA officials have accepted or acted upon my offers, rendering any claims of alleged undue influence entirely UNSUBSTANTIATED and WITHOUT ANY BASIS!
</blockquote>
Chivayo said his support for Magwizi is rooted in Magwizi’s qualifications, including his integrity, business acumen, and passion for the sport. He said:
<blockquote>
If ever this hoax of a “petition” is to find its way to FIFA, I hope FIFA will DISMISS THIS PETITION with the contempt it deserves. I will continue to advocate for professionalism, transparency and excellence in our beloved sport.
If the losing candidates are so heartbroken I’m happy to meet them and apologize to them as well as agree on a gentleman’s private settlement as opposed to them tarnishing my precious name over unfounded allegations…
For the benefit of the sport let’s give Mr Magwizi and his board a fair chance to start their assignment and embrace the mandate before them.
</blockquote>

Wicknell Chivayo is being accused of buying votes in ZIFA elections, but he denies it. He promised a new car and money to the winning candidate, Nqobile Magwizi. Chivayo says he just wants to help Zimbabwean football and did nothing wrong. He claims he is not breaking any FIFA rules because he is not part of ZIFA. Chivayo believes Magwizi is the best person for the job. He wants everyone to give Magwizi a fair chance to lead ZIFA and not believe the accusations against him.

Chivayo Denies Influencing ZIFA Vote

Two candidates from the 25 January 2025 ZIFA presidency elections have challenged the outcome at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
Nqobile Magwizi was declared the winner with 61 votes out of 76 ballots. However, Twine Phiri and Philemon Machana claim that third-party influence affected the election, swaying the result in Magwizi’s favor.
Phiri and Machana, represented by Method Ndlovu of Ncube Partners law firm, allege that businessman Wicknell Chivayo promised to buy Magwizi a new Toyota Land Cruiser 2024 edition if he won and also offered US$10 million in funding to ZIFA, contingent on Magwizi’s leadership.
They also claim Chivayo promised to buy a brand new vehicle for each voting councillor if Magwizi won.
The candidates also allege that government minister Tino Machakaire influenced the vote by publicly endorsing Magwizi.
Phiri, the former Premier Soccer League chairman, and Machana, a former ZIFA board member, want the election results nullified and a new election organized.
They are seeking a declaration that third-party influence rendered the election illegitimate.
Machana and Phiri are also calling for a fresh election, with the councillors who voted in the previous election to be barred from voting, as they believe their votes are tainted.
They further request that Magwizi be prohibited from standing as a candidate in the new election.
One of their key arguments is that a councillor was caught attempting to take a picture of their completed ballot to prove to their paymasters that they had followed instructions. They said:
<blockquote>
No wonder why one voting delegate was caught taking a photo of his cast ballot while in the voting booth. This was meant to show his handlers how he had voted.
The probabilities are that he and his fellow voting delegates were under pressure to show third parties how they had voted.
That means they did not exercise their right to vote freely. In other words, they did not vote according to their conscience.
</blockquote>

Two people are upset because they think the winner of the ZIFA presidency election cheated. They say a rich man promised the winner a new car and a lot of money for ZIFA. They also say a government minister told people to vote for the winner. They want a new election and they think the winner shouldn't be allowed to run again. They say some voters were forced to vote a certain way. They want the election results cancelled and a fair new election to happen.

Two ZIFA Candidates Challenge Magwizi Win, Take Dispute To Court Of Arbitration For Sport

Opinion by Munashe Chokodza
Congratulations to Nqobile Magwizi for winning the ZIFA elections on Saturday at Rain Towers! It’s now time to get to work, and you have a significant challenge ahead of you. You are tasked with fulfilling the dreams of a large, passionate community. In many ways, you’re the Joshua of Zimbabwean football.
For too long, the football industry in Zimbabwe has failed to attract investment, primarily due to policies that don’t benefit potential investors. Many people have suffered financially, not because they were poor managers, but because they were pouring resources into a system that offers little return.
With your youthful board, you have the opportunity to bring fresh ideas to the table and make the football industry profitable.
I recall hearing from one of my elders in the city about your journey in the early 2000s—how you built your advertising agency and produced TV shows for ZBC. He firmly believes that you can turn this industry around, especially if you surround yourself with the right people.
The women’s football sector is severely lacking, particularly in grassroots recruitment and lower division leagues that can feed into the Premier Soccer League. It’s mostly the uniformed teams that have managed to show progress. Mr. President, please treat this as an urgent issue and put the right structures in place for women’s football.
There is a real opportunity to create an industry that can empower many women who love the game, but only if the necessary steps are taken. The last time our women’s team, the Mighty Warriors, performed well on the world stage was over 10 years ago at the Olympics. Since then, it’s been nothing but politics and setbacks.
Please, Mr. President, address these pressing issues to uplift the girl child. The three women on your board are well aware of the challenges in this sector. Nqobile, we are counting on you to make a change.

Nqobile Magwizi won the ZIFA elections and has a big job ahead in improving Zimbabwean football. The industry needs investment and better policies to be successful. Magwizi's young board can bring new ideas to make football profitable. Women's football is lacking, with the need for better grassroots recruitment and leagues. The industry could empower many women if the right steps are taken. The Mighty Warriors women's team hasn't done well in years, so Magwizi needs to address these issues. The community is counting on Magwizi to make a positive change.

Wagwizi President Magwizi

Newly-elected ZIFA president, Nqobile Magwizi, has extended an olive branch to his challengers in the recent elections, inviting them to join forces in shaping the future of Zimbabwean football.
In his inaugural acceptance speech, Magwizi welcomed those who contested against him to work together for the success and growth of football in Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
I want to recognise Machana [Philemon], Gore [Marshall], Twine Phiri, Makwinji-Soma Phiri and [Martin] Kweza. I just want to recognise them. I know there are other colleagues [who were disqualified]. We had [Temba] Mliswa, Magaya, [Benjani] Mwaruwari and Banda. We want to recognise all those colleagues who were part of this process and just to thank you for this experience we have shared…
Together we will forge a united front committed to revitalisation of our sport. To those who contested against me, as I have already expressed, I am very grateful. They are welcome for us to hold hands and work together for the success of Zimbabwean football.
</blockquote>
Magwizi also said he would convene an all-stakeholders conference aimed at gathering input from the key figures in Zimbabwean football.
This initiative, he said, would provide a platform for the custodians of the game to voice their opinions, with the potential for these perspectives to influence decisions made by the ZIFA board moving forward.
Meanwhile, former Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League Board member finance, Loveness Wadzanai Mukura was voted as the woman vice-president. Kenny Ndebele, former Premier Soccer League boss, was voted in as the first vice president.
Other elected members include Tafadzwa Benza, Davison Muchena, Brighton Ushendibaba, Kudzai Kadzombe, Alice Zeure, and Thomas Marambanyika, all of whom will serve on the newly formed ZIFA executive board.

The new ZIFA president, Nqobile Magwizi, wants everyone who competed against him to work together for Zimbabwean football. He mentioned their names and thanked them for the experience. Magwizi plans to have a meeting with all important people in football to hear their ideas. This meeting might help the ZIFA board make better decisions in the future. Loveness Wadzanai Mukura was chosen as the woman vice-president, and Kenny Ndebele as the first vice-president. There are also other board members chosen to be part of the ZIFA executive board. Magwizi wants everyone to unite and make Zimbabwean football successful.

Magwizi Calls For Unity Among Football Stakeholders

Nqobile Magwizi has been elected as the new Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president with a landslide victory in an election overshadowed by allegations of impropriety.
Magwizi secured 61 of the 77 votes cast, while his closest rival, Philemon Machana, received six votes.
Twine Phiri garnered four votes, Marshall Gore received one, and Makwinji Soma Phiri finished without a single vote. Only 72 votes were valid, while the other five ballots were spoiled.
However, Wicknell Chivayo’s promise to gift vehicles to ZIFA councillors who backed Magwizi raised concerns about vote-buying.
Presidential aspirant Martin Kweza withdrew his candidacy on election morning, reportedly under pressure.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200037412/nqobile-magwizi-elected-zifa-president">NewsDay</a> reported sources as saying Kweza’s exit was to avoid splitting votes that could have thwarted Magwizi’s rise.
Loveness Wadzanai Mukura has been voted ZIFA Vice President after winning 43 votes, ahead of Mavis Gumbo’s 26, while Kenny Ndebele was also voted vice president.
The six ZIFA ordinary executive members and their votes are: Tafadzwa Benza (57), Thomas Marambanyika (37), Kudzai Kadzombe (35), Brighton Ushendibaba (33), Davison Muchena (32), and Alice Zeure (27).

Nqobile Magwizi won the election to become the new president of ZIFA, the Zimbabwe Football Association, with a lot of votes. Some people were worried that some votes were bought. Another person dropped out of the election to help Magwizi win. Loveness Wadzanai Mukura and Kenny Ndebele were chosen as vice presidents. There were also six other people picked to be part of the ZIFA leadership.

Magwizi Secures Landslide Victory In ZIFA Presidential Election

Disqualified ZIFA presidential aspirant Walter Magaya was allegedly forced to endorse Nqobile Magwizi’s candidacy in the ZIFA presidential election at Rainbow Towers in Harare this Saturday.
Magaya was disqualified from the race by the ZIFA Ethics Committee for not submitting the required O-level certificate with five subject passes.
He appealed the decision at the High Court on an urgent basis, but on Thursday, High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi dismissed the application.
Addressing 73 of the 78 ZIFA councillors at his Yadah Complex on Friday night, Magaya said that Magwizi was the best candidate to head ZIFA.
The cleric said he had been assessing the remaining candidates and had met several high-profile personalities since losing the High Court case on Thursday.
Magaya also revealed that he had withdrawn his appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Prominent journalist Mduduzi Mathuthu on Friday suggested that Magaya was threatened with various criminal prosecutions, leaving him no choice but to endorse Magwizi. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
Nqobile Magwizi will be your ZIFA president. They did their homework with that O’ Level item, and FAZ has been busy with the councillors.
Today Magaya – threatened with all manner of criminal prosecutions – met the councillors at his hotel and said vote Magwizi.
You may wonder why a man barely known in football is about to become its top boss. He works for Kuda Tagwirei.
Apart from managing about $1.5 million from FIFA annually, there is small matter of stadium renovations funded by treasury. ZIFA has no graders.
</blockquote>
Walter Magaya has faced multiple allegations over the years, including fraud and sexual abuse of several women. He is currently under investigation by the Zimbabwe Gender Commission.
Meanwhile, six candidates have been cleared to run for the ZIFA presidency: Magwizi, Philemon Machana, Marshall Gore, Martin Kweza, Makwinji Soma-Phiri, and Twine Phiri.

Walter Magaya was told to support Nqobile Magwizi for ZIFA president after being disqualified. He didn't have the right qualifications. He tried to appeal but lost. He said Magwizi was the best choice. Some people think he was forced to support Magwizi because of threats. Magaya has been accused of fraud and abuse. Six other people are also running for ZIFA president.

Magaya "Forced" To Endorse Magwizi For ZIFA President

Wicknell Chivayo has endorsed Nqobile Magwizi’s candidacy ahead of the ZIFA presidential election at Rainbow Towers in Harare this Saturday.
Six candidates have been cleared to run for the ZIFA presidency: Magwizi, Philemon Machana, Marshall Gore, Martin Kweza, Makwinji Soma-Phiri, and Twine Phiri.
Chivayo, posting on his social media pages, claimed that Magwizi is a respected businessman with considerable expertise in finance, marketing, and sports administration. He said:
<blockquote>
His track record includes securing multi-million sponsorships for Highlanders FC and Dynamos FC, demonstrating a blend of competence and passion for the sport.
Zimbabwe needs this calibre of leadership to transform ZIFA into a world-class institution capable of revitalizing our football legacy.
</blockquote>
Chivayo said that if Magwizi wins, he will gift him a brand new 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series worth US$200,000, which he believes is a car befitting the status of a ZIFA President. Added Chivayo:
<blockquote>
After Mr Magwizi takes office, with his authority I will also motivate the newly elected Board members and all Councillors countrywide, each of them will also receive brand new vehicles, details of which I will disclose at a later stage.
</blockquote>
Chivayo also pledged US$10 million in cash to sponsor ZIFA and spearhead the revival of football administration in Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
These funds will be strategically directed towards grassroots development, operational excellence and the sport’s commercialization.
Further details of this sponsorship will however only be finalized and disclosed after Magwizi’s victory and the inauguration of the new Board.
</blockquote>
Chivayo said he will only provide financial contributions to ZIFA if Magwizi is elected as the undisputed ZIFA President.
Chivayo donated US$1 million to ZIFA in 2015 under the leadership of Phillip Chiyangwa.
The businessman’s pledge to fund the association again has elated some football stakeholders, who believe Magwizi’s presidency could herald a new era of stability and progress for the game in Zimbabwe.
However, the prospect of Chivayo’s involvement has also raised concerns among some football lovers, who are wary of the businessman’s true motives. 
There is a belief that people close to the country’s political leadership, like Chivayo, may not have the genuine interests of football at heart but rather seek to exert control over the sport as part of a broader agenda.

A man named Wicknell Chivayo promised to give ZIFA $10 million but only if Nqobile Magwizi wins the election. Magwizi wants to be the ZIFA President. Chivayo thinks Magwizi is a great leader with lots of experience in sports. Chivayo also promised to give Magwizi a fancy car and other new cars to people in ZIFA if he wins. Some people are happy about Chivayo's promise, but others are worried because they think he may have other reasons for helping out. Chivayo gave ZIFA money before in 2015 and now wants to help again if Magwizi wins.

Chivayo Pledges US$10 Million To ZIFA But Only If Nqobile Magwizi Wins

Aspiring ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has proposed that the football fraternity should honour legends by establishing a Hall of Fame section in stadiums.
This section would feature seats branded with the names of icons like Peter Ndlovu, Moses Chunga, and others, ensuring their legacy is immortalised for future generations.
Magwizi said that if elected as ZIFA president, he would ensure the introduction of a new legend seat to honour those who made Zimbabwean football unforgettable. Said Magwizi:
<blockquote>
Fans could purchase tickets for these legend seats at a small extra fee, with a portion supporting the families of the players we celebrate.
Picture this: fans seated in the “Peter Ndlovu 12” or “Moses Chunga 7” seats, taking selfies and sharing memories of these legends on social media.
We’d create an atmosphere of pride, excitement, and connection in our stadiums, one seat at a time.
</blockquote>
Magwizi said this initiative wouldn’t just honour history but inspire the future. Young players would dream of seeing their name on a seat one day. He said:
<blockquote>
Every match day would become a celebration of our heritage and a reminder of what’s possible in Zimbabwean football.
Let’s celebrate our heroes, uplift their families, and unite fans under a common cause. As ZIFA President, this will be one of many steps I’ll take to restore pride and passion to our football. Together, we can make this dream a reality.
</blockquote>
Magwizi also said some stadium seats will be dedicated to people who have had an impact on football, despite not playing the game, such as commentators like Charles Mabika, as well as scouts, and football executives.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Nqobile Magwizi wants to honor football legends like Peter Ndlovu and Moses Chunga by creating a Hall of Fame in stadiums with named seats. Fans can buy tickets for these special seats to support the players' families. Magwizi hopes this will inspire young players and create pride in Zimbabwean football. He also wants to dedicate seats to other important figures in football. If elected as ZIFA president, Magwizi plans to make this dream a reality to bring passion and unity to the sport.

Magwizi Proposes Hall Of Fame In Stadiums For Football Legends

ZIFA Normalisation Committee chairman Lincoln Mutasa has dismissed as fake a letter purportedly sent by FIFA, which claimed that the world football body’s independent ethics committee was probing Nqobile Magwizi’s candidature.
Magwizi, reportedly linked to businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who has supported Dynamos and Highlanders financially through his company Sakunda, is among several candidates cleared to run in the upcoming ZIFA presidential elections on January 25.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zifa-dismiss-fake-fifa-letter-association-not-reinstating-disqualified-candidates/">The Herald</a>, Mutasa said it was untrue that they were being probed by FIFA for the manner in which they had accepted Magwizi’s nomination.
He also dismissed claims that his Normalisation Committee may have breached the ZIFA constitution in the process of accepting and rejecting nominations by the association’s board aspirants. Said Mutasa:
<blockquote>
We hear there are false claims being made that everyone who had wanted to compete has been invited back, there is no such development.
</blockquote>
Mutasa insisted that the process used by the Normalisation Committee was guided by the ZIFA constitution of October 2024, was above board, and was applied equally to all aspirants.
The letter, supposedly written by Martin Ngoga, a FIFA Ethics Committee vice-chairman, is unsigned and erroneously refers to Ngoga as the chairperson of the committee.
The purported FIFA letter, dated January 10, 2014 [which is 11 years ago], was allegedly in response to a letter from an anonymous investigative sports journalist who had red-flagged Magwizi’s candidature. Reads the letter in part:
<blockquote>
Thank you for bringing your concerns to the attention of FIFA. We acknowledge receipt of your formal complaint dated 07/01/25 regarding the nomination of Mr Nqobile Magwizi for the presidency of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
FIFA takes allegations of unethical practices, non-compliance with constitutional requirements, political interference, and vote-buying with utmost seriousness.
The issues raised in your correspondence, including the allegations of undue political influence, vote-buying, and OFAC sanctions are of significant concern to FIFA’s commitment to integrity and ethical governance.
In response to your complaint, the matter has been referred to the FIFA Ethics Committee, under the leadership of Chairperson Mr Martin Ngoga, for a thorough investigation.
The committee is committed to conducting a detailed and impartial review of the allegation, ensuring full compliance with FIFA statutes and ethical standards.
The FIFA Ethics Committee will engage with relevant parties, including ZIFA and the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), to examine the integrity of the electoral process and address any breaches of governance, ethics, or FIFA’s principles of fair play and political neutrality.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA leader says fake letter claims FIFA is looking into Magwizi's election. Magwizi linked to businessman supporting soccer clubs. ZIFA says process for nominations was fair. Letter from FIFA about investigation is old and fake. FIFA looking into allegations of vote-buying and political influence. ZIFA says they followed rules when accepting nominations. Mutasa clarifies no disqualified candidates were invited back. Letter from FIFA was not signed and used wrong title for Ethics Committee. FIFA will investigate allegations thoroughly.

ZIFA Rejects Claims Of FIFA Investigation Into Magwizi

Aspiring ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi held a meeting with the ZIFA Central Region councillors over the weekend to gain insight into their expectations for the next ZIFA president.
After the meeting, Magwizi said that he will use the valuable feedback gathered from the councillors to shape his manifesto, should he be included as one of the final candidates in the upcoming elections. Said Magwizi (via <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/aspiring-zifa-president-nqobile-magwizi-lays-foundation/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>):
<blockquote>
I had an amazing time hearing what the expectations of the councillors are because as we are working on the manifesto, it is important to have a manifesto knowing what the issues on the ground are.
Hence the need to engage with the councillors and gather what their expectations are because those issues will shape the manifesto that I will present provided I am fortunate enough to be included in the final candidates to compete in the elections.
</blockquote>
The nomination process for the ZIFA elections is set to close on December 11. All submitted nominations will undergo an integrity test, which serves as the final certification process for candidates eligible to contest in the upcoming polls.
Among the candidates who have submitted their nominations are Magwizi, Marshall Gore, Themba Mliswa, Gilbert Muponda, Farai Jere, and Walter Magaya.
Magwizi has been a board member of the Northern Region Division One league side, Banket Mine Football Club, since 2017.
He is also serving as the project manager overseeing the installation of bucket seats at the National Sports Stadium.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Nqobile Magwizi, who wants to be ZIFA president, talked to ZIFA councillors about what they want. He will use their ideas to make his election promises. The meeting happened over the weekend. Magwizi wants to know what issues are important to them so he can have a good manifesto. The election nominations close on December 11. Candidates must pass a test to be allowed to run for president. Some other people running for president are Marshall Gore, Themba Mliswa, and Gilbert Muponda. Magwizi has been involved in soccer and sports projects before.

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