Sports Correspondent

Former Norton MP and ex-Democratic Movement for Zimbabwe (Dembare) fitness trainer, Temba Mliswa, has strongly criticized businessman Kuda Tagwirei for allegedly attempting to take control of Zimbabwean football. Mliswa, who was recently disqualified from the ZIFA presidential elections, claimed that powerful cartels are using the ZIFA elections as a platform to advance their own interests.

Mliswa stated, “It’s unfortunate that the ZIFA elections have become an arena for cartels to flex their power and influence, redirecting the course of Zimbabwean football for their own benefit.”

While acknowledging Tagwirei’s success as a businessman and his potential to be a great sponsor for local teams, Mliswa accused him of misusing his power to manipulate the football sector.

“Kuda has been an astute businessman and could be a great sponsor, funding and supporting local teams,” Mliswa continued. “However, he has abused that power to try and influence the entire football sector, using proxies like Magwizi and his company, Sakunda.”

Mliswa warned that this kind of influence sets a dangerous precedent that could harm the long-term development of Zimbabwean football. He pointed out that while Delta has been involved in local football for years, they have never tried to manipulate the sport for their own private interests or supported specific candidates for office.

“Kuda Tagwirei is my ‘mzukuru’ and I will always speak frankly with him,” Mliswa added.

“This approach is wrong. It would be more prudent and beneficial if he focused on sponsoring the sport. However, this sudden involvement in corporate social work appears to be aimed at supporting a specific candidate.”