By Sports Reporter | Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa has announced that he will not contest for the ZIFA presidency should football legend Peter Ndlovu decide to run. Mliswa, known for his bold and outspoken nature, made the announcement in a series of social media posts, stating that Ndlovu’s stature and contributions to the game warrant his support.

“I would rather work, from another role, supporting his vision,” Mliswa tweeted, acknowledging the significant impact that Peter Ndlovu has had on Zimbabwean football and beyond. Ndlovu, who made history as the first African player in the English Premier League, is regarded as one of the continent’s footballing icons. Mliswa further emphasized that figures like Ndlovu and fellow football great Moses Chunga deserve to be honoured with statues for their contributions to the sport.

While Mliswa has long been rumored to have political and sports leadership aspirations, his willingness to step aside for Ndlovu marks a significant shift in the race for the ZIFA presidency. Mliswa’s remarks also indicate his broader vision for the future of Zimbabwean football, as he stressed the importance of consensus building and a unified approach in the quest to restore the country’s sporting glory.

In contrast, another prominent contender for the ZIFA presidency, controversial church leader Walter Magaya, has not signaled any intention to step down from the race. Despite past academic controversies, Magaya continues to vie for influence in the sports administration world. The potential for a head-to-head contest between Magaya and Ndlovu, if the latter officially declares his candidacy, promises to bring further attention to the election.

Mliswa, however, remains confident that Ndlovu’s candidacy represents the best path forward. “Engaging personalities like Peter is an essential aspect in building back the fractured sporting state,” Mliswa noted. His comments reflect a broader consensus among stakeholders who believe that Ndlovu’s experience, both as a player and a leader, will be critical to attracting corporate support and rebuilding Zimbabwe’s footballing infrastructure.

With the ZIFA elections looming, all eyes now turn to Peter Ndlovu to see whether he will officially enter the race and set the stage for a new chapter in Zimbabwean football.