Own Correspondent|The much awaited controversy filled Zimbabwe Football Association Elections have come and gone and its celebrations gallo in the opposition political party the MDC and gloom in the ruling ZANU PF.
Many could be wondering why this could be so.
It has been a hidden fact that the elections have been a ZANU PF versus MDC battle for the president and deputy of the country’s football body.
Outgoing President Philip Chiyangwa is a ZANU PF parliamentarian so is his deputy Omega Sibanda and were being challenged by MDC linked contestants.
Felton Kamambo who has suspected MDC links beat Philip Chiyangwa a ZANU PF parliamentarian and central committee member to become the association’s new president.
Kamambo amassed 35 votes against Chiyangwa’s 24 but a re-run was effected as neither of the candidates reached a two thirds majority mark. However, Chiyangwa withdrew his candidature and Kamambo was declared the new Zifa president.
Gift Banda an MDC legislator is the new Zifa vice-president after beating Omega Sibanda a ZANU PF parliamentarian by 37 votes to 22.
The victory marks an end to Chiyangwa’s three-year reign after taking over from Cuthbert Dube in December 2015.
Few days before the elections both Kamambo and Banda were suspiciously arrested and released in what was viewed as moves to frustrate their campaign.
While addressing the media after the polls, the new Zifa president said: ” I want to deliver what I promised to the people. I want to unite the football family and end suspensions and harassment.”
The committee members are Sugar Chagonda, Philemon Machana, Chamu Chiwanza and Brighton Malandule. Barbara Chikosi from Women’s football and Farai Jere from PSL are the two other members into the executive committee.
A delegation sent by FIFA observed the elections.
Newly elected ZIFA Executive Committee:
President: Felton Kamambo
Vice President: Gift Banda
Committee Members: Sugar Chagonda, Philemon Machana, Chamu Chiwanza, Brighton Malandule, Barbara Chikosi (Women’s football) and Farai Jere (PSL).