ZIMBABWE football legend, Ephraim Chawanda, believes the path to the ZIFA presidency is littered with brutal obstacles and, until the electoral field is level, he won’t vie for the post.

The former Warriors captain, whose Dream Team captured the imagination of the nation, said local football was a minefield.

Throwing his name to try and lead the country’s national sport, said Chawanda, was a different ball game to leading the Warriors in the World Cup or AFCON qualifiers.

Until the landmines which litter the game’s boardroom, making it difficult for people like him to even dream of contesting posts on the ZIFA board, were removed, Chawanda said he would just watch from a distance.

Known as the Rock of Gibraltar, Chawanda, who was crowned Soccer Star of the Year in 1988, is one of the most influential, and respected, personalities in Zimbabwe football.

A tough-as-teak defender, who led his country with both passion and pride during the hey days of the Dream Team, Chawanda said there were too many landmines in domestic football politics.

The situation has created a system where people like him, who have never been part of the administration of local football, are considered outsiders, despite what they did in service for their country.

Those who have been part of the ruling class, including many who have been there for decades, now consider it as a closed shop where newboys are not allowed to be part of the family.

“Look, I don’t know the system but all I can say is that it’s not as beautiful as the game should be,’’ he said.

“It’s a dirty place to be, for now, and only when, and if, the playing field is levelled may I decide to run for office.
“I was a defender remember, I had a good timing of the ball.

“When it’s appropriate, I might decide to run but now, our youngman Alois Bunjira, has made a bold move, let’s support him.’’-State media