By Munacho Gwamanda- Controversial preacher and Yadah FC owner Walter Magaya has found himself embroiled in yet another scandal, this time over his disqualification from contesting the ZIFA presidency due to failing to meet the basic educational requirement of five ‘O’ Levels.
Magaya’s disqualification was revealed in his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where he is challenging the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)’s decision to bar him from the January 25 elections.
ZIFA’s rules demand that presidential candidates possess at least five ordinary-level passes—a benchmark Magaya could not meet.
In his appeal, Magaya admitted to failing to submit the required O’ Level certificates, claiming instead that his “superior qualifications,” including a marketing certificate, marketing diploma, and theology diploma, should suffice.
“The appellant seeks a determination that his qualifications, which include a higher certificate in Marketing, a national diploma in Marketing, and a higher certificate in Theology (Cum Laude), exceed the requirement of five O’ Levels,” reads his submission to CAS.
Despite these claims, Magaya’s lack of basic academic qualifications disqualified him from the elections, prompting him to argue that the rule was discriminatory and designed to exclude certain candidates.
Magaya has not only approached CAS but has also filed an urgent application in the High Court to halt the ZIFA elections until his case is resolved.
Justice Tawanda Chitapi deemed the matter urgent, with proceedings set for Friday.
In his appeal to CAS, Magaya argued that ZIFA’s requirement was unfair and contrary to the statutes governing football administration.
He wants CAS to overturn ZIFA’s decision, allow him to contest, and compel the football body to pay his legal costs.
Magaya’s legal woes extend beyond the ZIFA saga.
Critics have questioned his credibility, pointing to past controversies involving allegations of fraud and deception.
This latest revelation adds to a growing list of scandals that have dogged his career as both a preacher and a businessman.
Magaya is not alone in his fight. Firebrand politician Temba Mliswa, who was also disqualified from the ZIFA elections, has filed a separate legal challenge.
Mliswa’s matter is also being treated as urgent and is set to be heard this week.
As Magaya’s credentials face public scrutiny, his fight to contest the ZIFA presidency raises questions about standards in football administration and the lengths some are willing to go to secure power.