Newly-elected ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has preached the gospel of unity as he seeks to turnaround the fortunes of Zimbabwean football by extending an olive branch to the losing candidates in the presidential election as well as those who didn’t take part for various reasons.
Magwizi won the watershed elected, acquiring 61 of the 77 votes to occupy the most powerful position in Zimbabwean football.
The Harare businessman is of the view that candidates who lost in the election- Phillemon Machana, Marshall Gore, Twine Phiri, and Makwinji Soma-Phiri, can still contribute to the growth of the game regardless.
Magwizi also mentioned popular cleric Walter Magaya, former ZIFA vice president Gift Banda and former Warriors captain Benjani Mwaruwari, who could not take part in the election having failed the ZIFA ethics committee’ eligibility test.
“I want to acknowledge Machana Philemon, Gore Marshall, Twine Phiri, Makwinji-Soma Phiri, Martin Kweza, Temba Mliswa, Walter Magaya, Benjani Mwaruwari, (Gift) Banda, and all who stepped up: Football isn’t about one winner. Your contributions MATTER,” Magwizi wrote on microblogging site X, formerly Twitter.
“Even if the race didn’t go your way, you’re part of Zimbabwean football’s heartbeat. Let’s unite.I’ve met some of you personally – your passion for the game is unmatched. We share the same core values: transparency, inclusivity, accountability. how we rise together does.
“Let’s build institutions that outlast us all, The door is WIDE open. Let’s collaborate, not compete. FOOTBALL MUST WIN. Our nation deserves a sport that makes us proud. The work starts NOW. Together, we rise.”