BULAWAYO – Police arrested former Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) interim president Gift Banda yesterday over allegations he forged an Ordinary Level certificate to qualify for upcoming football elections. The 54-year-old businessman spent the night in custody at Western Commonage Police Station.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Banda is accused of submitting a falsified certificate claiming he passed O-Level examinations at Mpopoma High School in 1986. “The certificate purports to be from an examination authority that did not exist until 1996,” Nyathi said.
Authorities also arrested Anele Zikhali of Bulawayo in connection with allegedly producing the fake certificate. Commissioner Nyathi said further details about the investigation would be released today.
The arrest comes as Banda prepared to contest ZIFA elections scheduled for early 2025, where candidates must possess at least five O-Level passes to qualify. The requirement aims to ensure leadership candidates meet basic educational standards.
“We are conducting thorough investigations into this matter,” Nyathi said. “The alleged forgery appears to have been an attempt to meet election eligibility requirements.”
Banda’s political and business connections had positioned him as a frontrunner in the upcoming ZIFA elections. Sources close to the football administration said his arrest has sent shockwaves through the organization’s leadership circle.
A prominent local businessman, Banda built his reputation through various ventures in Bulawayo and gained recognition for his collection of luxury vehicles. His rise in football administration saw him serve both as ZIFA vice-president and interim president.
The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC), established in 1996, manages the country’s O-Level certification system. Any certificates dated before then would not have been issued by ZIMSEC, making Banda’s alleged 1986 certificate immediately suspicious to authorities.
Football analysts suggest the scandal could trigger broader investigations into candidate credentials within Zimbabwe’s sporting organizations. “This arrest raises serious questions about verification processes in our sports bodies,” said Thomas Moyo, a sports governance expert at the University of Zimbabwe.
Local football clubs have expressed concern about the potential impact on ZIFA’s stability. “We need clear leadership now more than ever,” said Marcus Ndlovu, chairman of a premier league club who requested anonymity. “This situation creates unnecessary uncertainty in our football administration.”
Commissioner Nyathi emphasized the police’s commitment to maintaining integrity in public institutions. “We will thoroughly investigate any allegations of document forgery, regardless of the individual’s status,” he stated.
The case has attracted attention from regional football bodies, with several neighboring countries’ associations monitoring developments. Similar eligibility requirements exist across African football associations, making this case a potential precedent.
Both suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. Police expect to provide additional details about the case in an official statement today, including possible charges and court appearance dates.
Legal experts suggest that if convicted of certificate forgery, Banda could face significant penalties under Zimbabwe’s criminal law, potentially including imprisonment and fines.
The ZIFA election committee has not yet commented on how this development might affect the upcoming electoral process, scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
