HARARE- Former Zimbabwe captain Benjani Mwaruwari has officially entered the race for Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidency, submitting his nomination papers ahead of the January 2025 elections, marking a significant shift in the country’s football governance landscape.
Mwaruwari, who earned national fame during his successful career with Premier League clubs Manchester City and Portsmouth, joins former Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa as a top contender for ZIFA’s highest office. The submission came just hours before the nomination deadline at ZIFA headquarters.
“Football has given me everything, and now it’s time to give back to Zimbabwean football,” Mwaruwari said during his nomination submission. “Our national game needs experienced leadership that understands both the local and international aspects of football.”
The 45-year-old striker, nicknamed ‘The Undertaker’ during his playing days, brings substantial international experience to his candidacy, having played professionally across multiple European leagues, including stints with French club Auxerre and English Premier League teams.
Mliswa, known for his outspoken criticism of current football administration practices, presented his nomination papers separately, promising sweeping reforms if elected. “Zimbabwe football requires complete restructuring from grassroots to national level,” Mliswa stated in his campaign announcement.
The ZIFA presidency has faced significant challenges in recent years, including allegations of financial mismanagement and administrative irregularities that have affected the national team’s performance in international competitions.
Mwaruwari’s campaign platform emphasizes youth development and professional administration, drawing from his experiences in European football. His team has outlined plans to modernize ZIFA’s operations and strengthen relationships with international football bodies.
The election, scheduled for January 25, 2025, at Harare’s Rainbow Towers, comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwean football, with the national team seeking to rebuild its international standing.
Local football analysts view Mwaruwari’s candidacy as potentially transformative. “Having someone of Benjani’s caliber, with his international exposure and understanding of modern football, could be exactly what Zimbabwean football needs,” said Thomas Mangwiro, a prominent local sports commentator.
The winner will face immediate challenges, including improving football infrastructure, addressing match officiating standards, and rebuilding trust with international football bodies.
Football stakeholders across Zimbabwe have expressed optimism about the high-profile candidates, hoping the election will usher in positive changes for the sport’s development at all levels.
The electoral process will be monitored by both CAF and FIFA representatives to ensure compliance with international football governance standards.
